St Michael and All Angels Church

(See also Beetham and Heron Corn Mill)

From at least Saxon times a place of worship has stood where St Michael and All Angels church is today in the village of Beethamcoins dating from the early 11^th century were found buried in the church near the foundations of an earlier building. In the late 1800s the church served a large parish that included Arnside, Witherslack, Meathop and Ulpha.

The rectangular, asymmetrical church is constructed of mostly rough rubble wallslimestone with sandstone dressing. The 16^th century roof is oak-beamed with five bays in the nave and four in the chancel. The church has a 15-foot square tower at its western end. The 12^th century tower is off-centre; the six-bell chamber was added in the 16^th century. Above the door of the tower is a window that contains medieval glass.

Visible in the church are other 11^th and 12^th century features: the tower arch is early Norman while the arches of the south side are late Norman. The north arcade and the two bay arcades of the north and south chapels date from the 15^th century. The north aisle, added in the 14^th century, contains a number of memorials.

The font cover, made of oak, is dated 1636. Two effigies of Beetham family members on a tomb chest date to the 15^th century. These were damaged along with other parts of the church in 1647 when a mob and a group of Cromwells soldiers desecrated the church, destroying most of the medieval glass.

Other medieval glass windows are found in the Lady Chapel. The remainder of the stained glass windows date from the late 1800s, as does the organ. Restoration work was done in 1872 with a revival Gothic porch being added. Here is an effigy of St Michael. Both the pulpit and fine chancel screen date from after the restoration. The newest addition is an oak high altar consecrated in 1999. At the same time the Lady Chapel was restored.

In the church is a window commemorating St Lioba, and her life is celebrated each year on September 28. It is thought the Saxon church on the site was named after her. St Lioba was sent to Germany as the leader of a group of nuns in AD748 where she became widely known and respected. A shrine dedicated to her is located near Slackhead.

In the churchyard are a number of slate memorial stones. Near the porch is what is thought to be the base of an old cross, demolished in 1654. A rose pergola leads to the churchyard gate.

Beetham is 1½ miles south of Milnthorpe on the A6.

Photos courtesy Graeme Dougal

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