St Michaels Churchyard

Facilities and features

There are bird nesting boxes, resting places for quiet contemplation, outdoor learning spaces, herb rich grasslands and formal raised flower beds.

History of St Michael's

According to Bulmer's History and Directory of Cumberland 1901, St Michael's Church was in existence as early as the reign of Henry I (1100 - 1135). 

In A History of Cumberland 1794, Hutchinson reports; 'The church is gloomy, being only part of the original structure, as appears by the arches of he north aisle, built up in the outward wall. This fabric has been built of the materials of the Roman Vallum, and stands upon the station.'

It is not uncommon to find older stone being incorporated into later buildings, and it certainly appears that the the old St Michael's Church may have been built using stone from Hadrian's Wall, and more interestingly the fort of Uxelodunum which once stood on the site, more of that below.

The old church was demolished in 1841 and a new church built for an astonishing £3,030. 

The new St Michael's was partially burned by the overheating of ' stoves or flues' in 1843 destroying pews, the organ and windows. In 1885 the graveyard was closed to interments, and in 1894 St Michael's was restored and the vestry enlarged for £1,900. 

Report an issue

Let us know if there's:

• fly-tipping
• an issue with play equipment or the park in general
• an overflowing bin

Call or use our online enquiry form.

Telephone: 0300 373 3730
Use our the online enquiry form

Dog fouling

It is a criminal offence not to clean up after your dog and you can be fined up to £1,000.

Report dog fouling