Kendal Parish Church is an Anglican Church in the Diocese of Carlisle. It is located on Kirkland near to the river at the south end of Kendal.
The church is a Grade I listed building. The description given by Historic England reads as follows;
"SD 5192 SE KENDAL KIRKLAND (East side)
11/79 Church of the Holy Trinity
24-4-51 G.V. I
Parish Church. Established by 1232 (date on indulgence issued for fabric repairs); later medieval additions. Comprehensive C19 restorations in Perpendicular style. Earlier masonry coursed, squared, rubble; later work snecked rubble. Chamfered plinths and stepped buttresses. Graduated slate roofs with gargoyles and pinnacles. Rectangular plan with double aisles; chancel and west tower incorporated internally. West porch; 1934 vestry adjoining north side not of interest. Eastern chapels of Bellingham, Parr, and Strickland families contain some fine tombs and memorials. Memorial by Flaxman on north wall; memorial to George Romney on west wall. One of widest medieval parish churches in Britain (103 ft). For detailed description, history, and plans see: J.F. Curwen "The Parish Church of Kendal" in Transactions of Cumberland & Westmorland Antiquarian & Archaeological Society, Old Series Vol. XVI, pp.157-220; R.C.H.M. (1936), Westmorland, pp.119-122. Forms focus of churchyard group and major feature on riverside.
Listing NGR: SD5168992139"
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Kendal Parish Church, dedicated to the Holy Trinity, is the largest Parish Church in Cumbria, the oldest building in Kendal, and one of the widest churches in the country with the capacity for a congregation of 1100 people.
The church dates from the early thirteenth century, although it is located on the site of a much earlier church that was recorded in the Domesday Book. The shaft of an Anglican Cross in the Parr Chapel is dated at approximately AD 850.
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THE BELLS"The Tower is 24 ft. wide and 80 ft. high. The lower part is probably in large measure of the thirteenth century church, but in 1661 it was almost in ruins, was restored, and raised to its present height.
There are twelve bells in the belfry, the oldest of which is a small bell, in use since at least 1537, which was formerly attached to the Bellingham Chapel where it was probably used as a Sanctus Bell. Later it was rung to call the boys to school in the medieval Grammar School (the lovely building on the North side of the churchyard) and became known as the ‘Tinkler’; at this time it was chipped round the rim by boys who used to throw stones at it. It was removed to the tower in 1804 and, after several subsequent moves, is now back in the tower.
In 1576 there were three bells in the tower, one of which weighed 35 cwt. It is said that it took three men to ring it. In 1631 two further bells were added. In 1695 the fifth bell was cracked, and so it was recast, and a sixth added at the same time. In 1774 the Tenor was cracked and it was melted and recast into three bells, making a total of eight. In 1816 the fifth of this peal was cracked. It too was recast, and two further bells were added, making a peal of ten, this work serving as a Thanks Offering from the town for the peace following the Battle of Waterloo.
A recent addition, is a bell dated 1856. It came from our daughter Church, All Hallows, Fellside, which closed in July 2002. It was moved to Holy Trinity soon after, but was put in storage until it could be installed. In June 2007 it was hoisted up the outside of the tower and lowered through the roof and hung ‘dead’ (non swinging). It has a diameter of 22 inches, is used as a Sanctus Bell and is electrically operated."
"THE INSCRIPTIONS ON THE BELLSTREBLE T. Mears of London fecit 1816
These two bells were purchased by subscription in commemoration of the glorious achievements of Lord Nelson and His Grace the Duke of Wellington who with Divine assistance gave peace to surrounding nations and to this favoured isle.
We’ll sing their praise, and join in glorious harmony this noble peal.
SECOND T. Mears of London fecit 1816
Kendal 29th October 1816. This subscription was promoted by M. Nich. Wilson of this town, who by his fervent zeal in the cause assisted by the Vicar, Mayor Aldermen and his brother townsmen he carried into effect, the 18th June 1816; being the anniversary of the ever memorable victory of Waterloo that destroyed an inveterate foe, and gave to Europe the blessing of peace.
THIRD On this bell there is no inscription ( except for the date 1775 incised on the crown band )
FOURTH Pack and Chapman of London fecit 1775
Such wondrous power to music’s given, as elevates the soul to Heaven.
FIFTH Pack and Chapman of London fecit 1774
Whilst thus we join in cheerful sound, may love and loyalty abound.
SIXTH Pack and Chapman fecit 1774
Ye ringers all that prize your health and happiness, Be sober, merry, wise, and you`ll the same possess.
SEVENTH T.Mears of London fecit 1816
In wedlock’s bands shall ye who join with hands your hearts – unite, so shall our tuneful tongues combine to laud the nuptial rite.
EIGHTH Pack and Chapman fecit 1774. In the year 1774 these bells were re-cast from a peal of six to eight by the direction of ( 8 names )
NINTH [ Stafford ] 1631
1631 HAS TRES CAMPANAS IAM TOTA PAROECIA SANAS REDDIDIT VT QVARTA EST TERTIA QVINTA SIMVL, THIRD FOVRTH AND FIFT AND ALL MAY TOLL O’TH PARISH CHARGE WITHOUT CONTROUL.
TENOR [ Stafford ] 1631
ME SONITVS NOLAE MEMOREM TVBAE FACIT PVLSAT NOLA SONAT TVBA AMBO MORTIS NVNCIA 1631"
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Details for the bells can be seen on the Dove's Guide for Church Bell Ringers site at the following link: (
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There are 107 valid peals listed for this tower, details can be seen on the Felstead Database at the following link: (
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The church tower and bells can be seen at the following YouTube link: (
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Bell ringing at Holy Trinity Church Kendal can be seen at the following YouTube link: (
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