The church of St. Cuthbert in Cliburn was originally built in the middle of the 12th Century and at that date consisted of a nave and chancel. There were no pews in that period, and the congregation had only the use of a stone bench around 18" high and 12" wide running around the periphery of the building. Evidence of this phase of construction can be seen in the late 12C/ early 13C chancel arch and the 13C lancet window. The South Aisle was added during reconstruction of the church in 1886/7, although the original 12C doorway was relocated to its current position at that same time against the new South Aisle.
Inset into the porch are two Roman inscribed stones found during the reconstruction, one of which is legible and relates to the building of a bath. These are believed to have come from the Roman Station at Kirkby Thore, 2 miles away.
Other points of interest are the original 12C font, the cover for which was donated by Capt. C J Cleborne of the US Navy in memory of their father Rear Admiral C J Cleborne, and the Parish Chest dating from 1696.
____________________________________________________________
The cache itself can be found at the roadside close to the end of the fine avenue of Lime trees leading to the church
If you would like to add to the Church Micro series yourself then please look here
http://churchmicro.co.uk/
There is also a Church Micro Stats & Information page that can be found at
http://www.15ddv.me.uk/geo/cm/index.html