Brigham

(See also St Bridget's Church)

Beside the river Derwent in Allerdale, Brighams name refers to the meadow by the bridge. Salmon and trout are fished in the river. Limestone was quarried nearby. A local legend is that there is a tunnel from St Bridgets church to the Wheatsheaf Inn.

The churchs south arcade dates from 1180-90. The west tower is tunnel-vaulted and dates from the early 13^th century, as does the south doorway. There are original twin lancet bell openings. Pre-Norman carved stones are in the 14^th century south aisle chantry chapel. The font is 17^th century.

Two windows in the church date from the 15^th century, and another is in memory of William Wordsworths son John, who served as a vicar of the church for 40 years. Some of the windows were restored in 1864-76 by Butterfield. In addition he added the stenciling to the roof and the 1220 towers saddleback roof. In the graveyard are hundreds of 17^th19^th century carved stones.

Fletcher Christian of Mutiny on the Bounty fame was born in the nearby farmhouse, Moorland Close and baptised in the church.
George Fox preached in the church without incident, but later another Quaker, John Burnyeat, was beaten with Bibles and a staff by the congregation. The church is supposedly haunted by a hangman who committed suicide and was buried in the churchyard.

Location Map of Brigham
Brigham is just off the A66, two miles west of Cockermouth.

Photos courtesy Barbara Ballard and Andy Wallace

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