With thanks to the Francis Frith Collection - St Cuthberts 1893
Known locally as 'the church in the Dale', St Cuthberts dates to circa.1826. It was built to replace the medieval church of St Mary's, the ruins of which can still be seen on Old Church Lane, overlooking the town. When the congregation outgrew St Mary's, which was becoming too expensive to maintain, the roof was removed and sold to fund the building of the new church, St Cuthbert's. The new church boasted colourful 19th-century stained glass, and a Victorian organ made by the well known Harrison and Harrison company.
Eight bells are hung in the tower for full circle ringing and one ancient bell is on display in the porch. The eight, cast in 1971 by John Taylor of Loughborough, replaced a heavier six dating from 1893 by Carrs of Smethwick. These six were given by Mr. and Mrs. Harker, of Harefield, in memory of their eldest son, George Hodgson Harker, who died 8th January, 1892. They were dedicated and first rung on 27th May, 1893.
The disused bell, like many early bells in the area, is thought to have come from Fountains Abbey. It hung in the old church of St Mary and was presented to Mr and Mrs Harker, of Harefield, when they gave the peal of six bells in 1893. It was returned to the church in memory of Robert Percy Harker who was killed in action.
Now for the geocache ~ This is a micro cache with no room for trackables. You will need a pen and possibly tweezers. Please sign the log then replace as found.
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