St James' Church, majestically perched at the top of Queen Street in Whitehaven, Cumbria, is a beacon of historical and architectural splendor. Overlooking the town from its elevated position, this active Anglican parish church is a testament to the town's rich heritage and religious devotion. As a designated Grade I listed building, St James' Church stands as a significant landmark, drawing visitors from near and far to marvel at its grandeur and serene beauty.
St James' Church was constructed between 1752 and 1753, a project that cost £3,400—a sum equivalent to approximately £650,000 today. The design of this neoclassical masterpiece has been attributed to Carlisle Spedding, a mining engineer for Sir James Lowther. However, some architectural historians suggest that Christopher Myers, who later designed churches in Ireland, might have been the true architect. The land for the church was generously donated by Sir James Lowther, further cementing his legacy within the community.
Throughout its history, St James' Church has undergone various modifications and restorations. In 1871, the apse was restored, resulting in the blocking of the east Venetian window and the introduction of top lighting. The interior saw significant reordering in 1886 by C. J. Ferguson, which included moving the altar and the organ. The southeast part of the church was converted into a war memorial chapel in 1921, and the northeast into a baptistry. Another major reordering took place in 1979-80, which involved the removal of tiered seats in the galleries. In 1997, glass doors were installed at the entrance, and two new bells were added the following year, enhancing the church's auditory charm.
St James' Church is a striking example of Neoclassical architecture. The west side of the tower and the center bay of the west end are constructed from ashlar stone, while the rest of the church features roughcast with rusticated quoins. The slated roofs add to the building's timeless elegance. The church's rectangular plan includes an embraced west tower and an elliptical apse at the east end, which is top-lit by a dome. The tower is adorned with a cornice, a plain parapet, and pinnacles in the form of obelisks, adding to its majestic appearance.
The church's exterior is characterized by rectangular windows arranged in two tiers, with the Venetian east window now blocked. The west end features a round-headed doorway flanked by pilasters that support a triglyph frieze, above which rests a pediment. Another larger pediment sits above this, creating a visually harmonious facade.
Scavenger hunts in Whitehaven
Discover Whitehaven with the digital Scavenger Hunt from myCityHunt! Solve puzzles, master team tasks and explore Whitehaven with your team!
The interior of St James' Church has been described as the finest Georgian church interior in Cumbria by architectural historian Nikolaus Pevsner. The serene beauty of the interior is immediately apparent upon entering through the west door, which leads into a vestibule at the base of the tower. This vestibule is etched with the national symbols of Sri Lanka, adding an exotic touch to the church's decor. Stairs on either side of the vestibule lead up to the galleries, which are supported by Doric columns.
The galleries themselves are adorned with a triglyph frieze, and Ionic columns rise from the galleries to the ceiling, creating a sense of grandeur and elegance. The flat ceiling is decorated with plaster roundels depicting the Annunciation and the Ascension, along with angels and cherubs in Rococo style, adding to the church's ethereal atmosphere.
The apse houses a painting of the Transfiguration by Giulio Cesare Procaccini, surrounded by a pedimented aedicule and flanked by four Ionic pilasters. This painting was a gift from the 3rd Earl of Lonsdale and is said to have originated from the Escorial in Spain. The 18th-century timber pulpit is polygonal and decorated with fluted pilasters and arched panels, while the font, made from Florentine marble, dates back to the 17th century.
St James' Church is home to a collection of stunning stained glass windows created by renowned artists such as Shrigley and Hunt, William Wailes, Abbott and Company, L.C. Evetts, and Alex Haynes. These windows, dating from 1917 to 1999, add a kaleidoscope of colors to the church's interior, enhancing its spiritual ambiance.
The church also boasts a three-manual pipe organ built in 1909 by Norman and Beard, which was completely restored in 2011 by Mander. The organ's rich tones fill the church with melodious harmony, complementing the serene atmosphere. Additionally, the church has a ring of twelve bells, with the oldest dating back to 1586 and 1624, cast by Henry Oldfield I and George Oldfield I, respectively. The remaining bells were made by John Taylor and Company at various times from 1872 to 1998, adding to the church's historical significance.
The entrance to the churchyard opposite the west end of St James' Church features Grade II listed gate piers. These square stone piers, complete with cornices, once supported a wrought iron lamp holder on the crossbar, adding a touch of historical charm to the church's surroundings.
In conclusion, St James' Church in Whitehaven is not just a place of worship but a historical and architectural gem. Its serene beauty, rich history, and stunning architectural features make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the region. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply seeking a place of tranquility, St James' Church offers a captivating experience that will leave you in awe of its timeless splendor.
Get your Tickets now!
With myCityHunt you can discover thousands of cities around the world in exciting scavenger hunts, treasure hunts and escape games!
myCityHunt vouchers are the perfect gift for many occasions! Surprise your friends and family with this extraordinary event gift. myCityHunt gift vouchers are valid for 3 years from the date of purchase and can be used within this period for a freely selectable city and tour from the myCityHunt portfolio.