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Holy Trinity

Built in 1833 by William Carus Wilson, Founder of the Clergy Daughters School, as school chapel and parish church with a strong connection with local heritage and Bronte sisters.

Casterton, Cumbria

Opening times

The church is open to visitors every day, usually from 10.30am to 5.30pm.
A churchwarden will open up at other times, on request.
Guidance notes and illustrated brochures explain its history and artworks and are free of charge.

Address

Casterton
Cumbria
LA6 2SG

Exceptional acoustics attract singers and musicians, some of national renown, for concerts and recordings. Contains beautiful Arts Crafts stained glass; also, paintings by James Clark RA and PreRaphaelite Henry Holiday. Much used by pupils of Sedbergh Preparatory School, and visited by tourists from many countries.

This iconic Victorian church is a focal point in the Lune Valley. It is one of eight churches in the Rainbow Parish, serving Kirkby Lonsdale and District. The church contributes much to the spiritual, educational, and social life of the local and wider community.

The church has a performance area with sound and lighting equipment and has an induction loop. The absence of internal pillars makes it ideal for concerts.

Holy Trinity is a much used, busy church, dedicated to regular worship and is a venue for performing arts, especially music. Free lunchtime recitals are a regular feature.
Performers have included: the Liverpool Cathedral and Hallé Youth Choirs; Carnforth and District Choral Society; the Allegri Singers and K Shoes Male Voice Choir. Soloists include Professor Doctor Ian Tracey (organ), James Bowman CBE (countertenor) and Young Musician of the Year Finalist Jess Gillam (saxophone).

Nikolaus Pevsner describes and appraises its architecture and its celebrated wall paintings, in ‘The Buildings of England’. The church also has a finely carved reredos by Bridgeman of Lichfield and oak choir stalls designed by Paley and Austin. These gifts reflect the inspiration of Canon AD Burton, the dedication of local families, and the generosity of the Misses Bickersteth of Casterton Hall.

Beautiful lancet windows depict the life and ascension of Christ. In the chancel, some commemorate Queen Victoria's Silver Jubilee. Cathedral glass lancets in the nave reflect the end of the First World War.

The stunning Benedicite and Creation windows count among Henry Holiday's best work.

  • Captivating architecture

  • Enchanting atmosphere

  • Famous connections

  • Fascinating churchyard

  • Glorious furnishings

  • Magnificent memorials

  • National heritage here

  • Social heritage stories

  • Spectacular stained glass

  • Wildlife haven

  • Accessible toilets nearby

  • Dog friendly

  • Level access to the main areas

  • On street parking at church

  • Parking within 250m

  • Space to secure your bike

  • Walkers & cyclists welcome

  • Church of England

  • Repair Grant, £6,500, 2007

  • Our Repair Grants funded urgent repair work to help keep churches open.

Contact information

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St Oswald

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