Ireby Old Church

Ireby Old Church stands one mile west of the small hamlet of Ireby in Cumbria. Only the chancel remains of the 12th-century building after the nave, aisle and porch were removed in the 1840s. The church became redundant in 1971 and was placed in the care of the Churches Conservation Trust the following year. It is built from sandstone and limestone blocks with a green slate roof. The west end holds an open bellcote and the blocked former chancel arch forms the entrance. The church is recognised for its medieval and later features. A 12th-century tympanum sits above the west door, and medieval grave slabs are built into the walls. The east wall contains three small round-headed windows with another above, and a stone altar shelf holds a carved medieval cross. Inside, a restored three-bay arcade and blocked 13th-century windows in the south wall add to its character. Memorials include a 1626 wall plaque and a small shrine dated 1769. Outside, two 13th-century octagonal columns with carved capitals stand west of the church. They once supported the nave roof before being moved to the village as gateposts. After excavations in the 1930s revealed their original bases, they were returned to their present positions in the 1970s. The churchyard also contains the remains of earlier structures, adding to the site’s historical depth.