St. Michael, Burgh by Sands, Cumberland

Description

The church of St. Michael, which stands in the southeast angle of the site of the Roman station, is an ancient structure, the earliest portion, constructed chiefly with Roman materials, being of late Norman date, and including a doorway of that period on the north side, considerable additions were made in the 13th century: the building displays evidence of its having been constructed like some others on the border, as a place of retreat and defence, but some of its features show that defence was not at that time the only object considered by those who erected it: the church consists of chancel, nave of three bays, north aisle and a western tower containing 2 bells, bearing the inscription: Sancte Michaelis Oro pro Nobis: the tower, a work of the 14th century, has walls from 6 to 7 feet thick, and was evidently built for the purpose of protection: the base of the tower consists of a vaulted chamber, about 9 by 8 feet, to which access is obtained from the nave by a small doorway, strongly guarded by a ponderous Iron-framed and boarded door, 6 ft. 8 in. in height: at the south-west angle is a stone newel-staircase leading to the upper chamber, measuring 10 ft. 9 in. by 11 ft. 7 in., and lighted by three openings, one of which commands a view of the interior of the church. At the east end, adjoining the chancel, is a square building of considerable strength, with an entrance on the north side, and a priest's chamber, now used as a vestry: the three stained windows in the chancel are in memory of the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Victoria: the church has been restored since 1881 at a cost of £700, and affords 250 sittings.

Church Records

The register dates from 1653.