St Anthony’s

The only church dedicated to St Anthony (of Egypt) in the north of England, it sits on the side of Cartmel Fell. It was built in 1504 as a chapel of ease to Cartmel Priory, seven miles to the south, to serve the people living across the fells here. There is a community hall next door, in the old school building, but no village, so it has an isolated feel.

It’s a simple building, with no airs and graces, but inside there are some interesting features. After the dissolution of the monasteries it became a parish church, and the vicar had to double up as the school teacher. There are interesting box pews, one of which was also used as a classroom, evidenced by children’s graffiti on the seats.

It has not seen a lot of significant alteration since the 16th century, and is grade 1 listed.