St John the Evangelist

Getting here

The ecclesiastical parish of Grayrigg consists of the townships of Grayrigg, Whinfell, Lambrigg, Docker and Dillicar with a total adult population of 330.  The small fellside village of Grayrigg, some 5 miles north-east of Kendal on the A685 Kendal-Tebay-Kirkby Stephen Road, is the only centre of population and the remainder of the parish consists of mainly scattered farmsteads and other dwellings.  This is essentially an agricultural community with church and vacant vicarage, school, almshouses, village hall and garage located in the village.  In addition to the working farms, a number of people have various jobs in Kendal and further afield while others are retired.  There are one or two second homes and some holiday accommodation.  The population is spread over a wide age range.

The church of St John the Evangelist was rebuilt in 1837/38 in the Gothic style of George Webster (1797-1864), a Kendal architect of some repute.  It consists of chancel, nave, south porch and embattled western tower, rebuilt in 1869 and containing one bell.  The church was again renovated in 1909/10 and accommodates 186. In general the church has been quite well maintained and has recently been rewired and the heating system has been repaired and improved.   Problems with the tower have been rectified and the interior of the church re-plastered and is awaiting redecoration.  The Chancel is due to be re-carpeted and a refreshments area is in the process of being created at the back of the church.  The parish registers of baptisms, marriages and burials date from 1730 and are deposited along with other older church records in the Cumbria Record Office, Kendal.  There are no other licensed places of worship in the parish. The church is close to the Dales Way and walkers often stop and visit.

There is one Authorised Minister resident in Grayrigg and three people who are authorised to administer the chalice.  There is a rota of people who read the lesson and the intercessions.  

Grayrigg Church of England School is a modern building rebuilt in the 1960’s and continues to be kept in exceptional condition.  It has 33 pupils on its roll between the ages of 4 and 11.  The school and the church have work closely together.  There are regular seasonal services in the church where the children attend in good numbers.  And they also use the church for religious instruction.  There is a monthly after school Religious Club for the children, known as ‘Steph’s Club’ named after the previous Team Vicar’s Dog.

A685
Grayrigg
LA8 9BU

If you'd prefer to navigate using Google Maps please use the button below