English Heritage sites near Muncaster Parish
RAVENGLASS ROMAN BATH HOUSE
1 miles from Muncaster Parish
The remains of the bath house of Ravenglass Roman fort, established in AD 130, are among the tallest Roman structures surviving in northern Britain: the walls stand almost 4 metres (13 feet) high.
HARDKNOTT ROMAN FORT
8 miles from Muncaster Parish
This remote and dramatically-sited fort was founded under Hadrian's rule in the 2nd century.Well-marked remains include the headquarters building, commandant's house and bath house.
FURNESS ABBEY
18 miles from Muncaster Parish
The remains of an abbey founded by Stephen, later King of England, including much of the east end and west tower of the church, ornately decorated chapter house and cloister buildings.
AMBLESIDE ROMAN FORT
18 miles from Muncaster Parish
The well-marked remains of a 2nd-century fort with large granaries, probably built under Hadrian's rule to guard the Roman road from Brougham to Ravenglass and act as a supply base.
BOW BRIDGE
18 miles from Muncaster Parish
This narrow 15th-century stone bridge across Mill Beck carried an old packhorse route to nearby Furness Abbey.
STOTT PARK BOBBIN MILL
18 miles from Muncaster Parish
In the Lake District in Cumbria, this extensive working mill was begun in 1835 to produce the wooden bobbins vital to the Lancashire spinning and weaving industries.
Churches in Muncaster Parish
St Michael and All Angels, Muncaster
On A595 south of Ravenglass - follow signs for Muncaster Castle COACH PARK (SAT NAV CA18 1RJ)
01946 693674
http://www.eskdalebenefice.org.uk
Services
Eucharist : First and third Sunday in month at 11.00am.
Description
Surrounded by the gardens of historic Muncaster Castle, just outside Ravenglass, stands the small church of St Michael and All Angels, built on land used by the monks of Furness Abbey to graze their sheep. It seems likely that there was an earlier church on this spot, in the churchyard is a high cross parts of which date from Anglo-Saxon times. It is quite likely that the site was used for worship before the coming of Christianity.
The present church of St Michael's was built in the 15th century, with the chancel being added in the 17th century. There was another major restoration in the Victorian period under Anthony Salvin. T this includes the addition of a north transept in 1874 and a decorated tracery partition to the church.
The interior is very simple, with a 4 bay nave leading to a 3 bay chancel, both under a king-post roof. There are numerous memorials to the Pennington family, owners of Muncaster Castle. On display inside the church is a cracked 15th century bell (replaced in the bell cote in 2002/03 by a new casting) and an interesting Forster and Andrews organ.
The church has some fine stained glass windows including by Pre-Raphaelite artist Henry Holiday (1882 and 1887). They include a window installed as a memorial to friends of the then Lord Muncaster, who were kidnapped while travelling in Greece and held to ransom. They were all killed during an attempt to rescue them. Lord Muncaster had been in the party but having been released to raise a ransom, he survived and commissioned the windows in their memory.
The vestry window is by Morris & Co and the west tripartite window is one of only a few in the country to depict a 'Doom' or Day of Judgement scene.
The Church was extensively repaired and renovated around the turn of the Millennium. It is a Grade 1 listed building, still in active use as a place of worship. Although surrounded by Muncaster's gardens and close to the Castle, St Michael's is open daily for sanctuary from the stresses of modern life to all, including visitors to Muncaster, seeking quiet reflection and prayer regardless of religion or denomination.
Pubs in Muncaster Parish
Inn at Ravenglass
There's a jolly seaside cafe feel to this homely pub, a 17th Century inn, which sits beside the estuary with its wonderful views, in this delightful village. In Roman and Viking times this was one of the 5 main ports in the country. With a...
Pennington Hotel
Main Street, Ravenglass, CA18 1SD
(01229) 717222
penningtonhotel.co.uk
Ratty Arms
A converted railway building with loads of railway memorabilia, wrought iron and glass. Sit on the platform side and look out on both the La'al Ratty station and the Big Trains. Good value tasty food served all day. Dog friendly. On Ravengl...