St Cuthbert

St Bartholomew

The early history of the Church and Parish of Loweswater is lost in antiquity. The earliest mention is about the middle of the 12th century, when Loweswater is reputed to have been the estate of Randolphus de Lindsay, who at the same time gave a church at Loweswater to the Priory of St. Bees. Monks from St Bees used to go to Loweswater to take services and the dead from Loweswater used to be carried via the 'Corpse Road' through Holmewood for burial at St. Bees. The old bell dates from 14th century, being one of the first cast in Cumberland. The Church was consecrated on 24th August, 1829 by the Right Revd John Bird Sumner, Bishop of Chester later becoming the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Holidaymakers and local residents are warmly welcomed to any of our different Sunday services and regular village get-togethers.

St James

The present church is a Grade 2 Listed built as the date cut over its door shows, in 1840. The east window, Mary and Martha, window by Henry Holiday dates from 1893. In memory of the wife of the Revd Simmonds Attlee. The window which is stylistically similar to that of Clayton and Bell studio is near the pulpit and dates from 1904. In memory of the wife of the Revd A. J. Knight. In 1929-30, the sanctuary was paved with local Honister slate and church was completely refurnished in oak. The priest's seat and credence table were gifts from Archbishop and Mrs. William Temple who were frequent visitors to Buttermere.

The window on the south side of the church, at the westernmost end, was remade and fitted in the 1990s as a memorial to writer Alfred Wainwright. It is from this window that a view of Haystacks can be seen. Wainwright wrote of it: “for beauty, variety and interesting detail, for sheer fascination and unique individuality, the summit area of Haystacks is supreme. This is in fact the best fell-to of all”.

Holidaymakers and local residents alike are warmly welcomed to our regular Sunday services following different liturgies.