Kirkbampton is a small village with serveral farms, garage, Construction Company, Church, Primary/junior School and a bus service to Carlisle Bus number 71. It is situated six mile west of Carlisle and seven miles North North east of Wigton.
If you look north you can see over the Solway and the Scottish hills and if you look south you can see the Cumberland fells. Kirkbampton church is dedicated to Saint Peter and is an ancient Norman structure and is a Grade one listed building. During restoration work in 1870-1871 there was a roman stone found it the South wall in the chancel. Over the north door is a sculptured tympanum there are only three left in Cumbria and this is the probably most prefect with its sandstone arch.
In the Parish there has been numerous defensive work. Against the Predatory incursions the 'Mosstroopers' the most notorious one is called Boothill and he was killed in a singular manner. He was found by Hody on the ground asleep, Hody was determined not to let Boothill slip free. And free himself and his neighbours of a formidable enemy he coolly drew the Freebooter's swords cut of its scabbard and he severed his foe's head from his body. The body of the Scot lies in Kirkbampton churchyard and one the gravestone is an engraved sword.
The old school with the schoolmaster's house attached is situated at Longrigg Beck, a short distance west of the village and was built in 1876. When the new Church Of England school was built in the 1960s and the east end of the village the old school was converted in to a dwelling and is still a dwelling today.
The community spirit is strong and lively and has a friendly village atmosphere and all ages are catered for.
Saint Peter's Church, Kirkbampton is a typical Cumbrian church in plan and character. The chancel Arch and North Doorway, both being original and in situ, is Saxon in style and fix the dimensions of the early church pretty definitely. Over the North Entrance-Door is a sculptured bas-relief, which is one of only five examples in Cumbria and the one her in condition with its surrounding arch is probably the most prefect of all, in spite of suffering from the weather. It is not now easy to decipher but appears to be a figure of an animal.
One of the original narrow round-headed Norman window remains in the Chancel, and one was taken out some years ago to make room for the Arch to the Organ Chamber and is now rebuilt in the gable. The other little window portrays Saint Peter. The east window consists of 3 lancet windows depicting players of music instruments
table
North |
Centre |
South |
|---|---|---|
Harp |
Lame of God |
Cymbals |
Pipe |
Organ |
Pipe |
Organ |
Lyre |
Harp |
Under the windows engraved in the glass can be seen, albeit very faintly:
"In honour of this holy house where out fathers worshipped - a memorial 1871"
On the south side of the Nave the windows erected in memory of the parents, brother and sister of Ann Mark 1882, depict "The Master Calleth for thee" - Mary of Bethany, and "I am the Resurrection and the life" - Lazarus.
The Second window in the nave depicts the crucifixion and Saint Peters given the Keys. The inscription reads, " To the Glory of God and in memory of John Hodgson of Kirkbampton, died March 15th 1881, aged 76 year old. Given be Margaret Hodgson, his wife. A Roman stone 14" x 10 ¾ " was found in the wall during the restoration of the chancel in 1871. The thick covering of the plaster was removed and it is now build into the South Wall of the Chancel just behind the Choir Stalls. It bears the inscription " VEX, LEG P.F. FEC." This stone has no doubt been brought from the Roman Wall.
The small stone basin used in pre-Reformation churches in the South Wall of the Sanctuary and is either an addition or has been restored.
The aumbry in the North Wall of the Sanctuary would be used as a lock up for any valuable church property e.g. Chalice, Altar cloths and other important items. And is probably as old as the foundation of the church.
Next to the aumbry the priest for handing out doles to the lepers would use this window. The Leper Squint is so placed that Celebrant could be seen communion from the outside by the lepers. The Church was re-seated in 1883, the seats previous to that were boxes. There was a general renovation of the building at the same time, including roof, a new vestry and porch. The Organ was a gift in the late 1800's from the Rector Dr. John Chapelhow, as a thanksgiving following his recovery from a serious illness. In very recent years many small additions and alterations have taken place to enhance the beauty of the worship. Very often these been done as a memorial. One of the Bells was recently recast and engraved, later new pulpit falls were given, and in 1991 the front pew was removed and the wood used to make the prayer desk. A new Silver Chalice was also given, and a beautiful Brass Cross and two Candlesticks.
The vacant ground in front of the War Memorial is the site of the old church day school. Bishop Goodwin refused to consecrate it because the managers could not show a title to it so it is left unused. It is church property now by long undisputed enclosure and possession. The new churchyard at the back was purchased in 1925.