A new information board has been installed at Wetheral’s Holy Trinity Church.
The panels have been created as a pyramid in the churchyard, to take advantage of the views and to reflect the church’s dedication to the Holy Trinity.
The church is on a bank above the River Eden with far-reaching views to Corby Castle, the viaduct and Wetheral Priory.
Each of these places has a story to relate. One panel faces the church and describes the Anglo-Saxon origins of the church and the Howard Chapel that was built in the late 18th century to house an exquisite sculpture by Joseph Nollekens.
This view also takes in Wetheral Viaduct that carried the earliest cross-country railway over the River Eden. Another panel describes Corby Castle and the wildlife that can be found along the river, along with the old ferry crossing over the river.
The third panel looks towards Wetheral Priory Gatehouse with mention of the medieval salmon traps and St Constantine’s Cells.
The project has been spearheaded by Andrew Humphries of Wetheral, with Anna Gray, of Great Corby, as research and project manager, and designed by Peter Lorimer.
It is the first stage of a much larger project that will see a wall-mounted introductory panel and another panel inside the church and new paving to enable people to access the pyramid more easily.
A leaflet covering the wider area is also proposed.
Andrew said: “The panels have stimulated curiosity and interest about the diverse cultural landscape of Wetheral – and how people have shaped the land and in turn been shaped by it.”
Grant funding from the Dulverton Trust, Cumbria Community Foundation and Carlisle City Council made the project possible, but the project is looking for additional funding to enable completion of the second stage.
To help, contact Andrew on 01228 564140.
