The Movable Pulpit of St. Cuthbert’s Church, Carlisle: A Cumbrian Curiosity
If you ever find yourself in Carlisle, be sure to visit St. Cuthbert’s Church, home to one of the most unique features in the region – a movable pulpit.
St Cuthbert’s Church is situated close to Carlisle Cathedral.
This Cumbrian curiosity was designed in 1905 with a specific purpose: to ensure every member of the congregation could see the preacher clearly during services, no matter where they sat.
Why a Movable Pulpit?
St. Cuthbert’s Church has a special layout that makes preaching a bit tricky. It has two levels for seating:
- The main nave: The ground floor where the bulk of the congregation gathers.
- An upper gallery: This second level adds more seating space for worshippers.
With such a large congregation spread across two levels, it was hard for everyone, particularly those in the gallery, to see the preacher.
That’s where the movable pulpit comes in.
An Ingenious Solution
In 1905, the Carlisle-based crane makers Cowan Sheldon came up with a brilliant solution to this issue.
They built a pulpit that could move along a track, allowing the preacher to be visible to the entire congregation.
The design is based on a rope and pulley system, similar to the one used in the famous San Francisco cable cars.
How Does It Work?
The pulpit moves on rails built into the church floor, keeping it in a straight line.
To shift it to the centre of the church, the preacher or a helper turns a handle, which pulls the pulpit using the pulley system. It takes exactly 23.5 turns of the handle to move the pulpit to its central position, ensuring everyone can see the sermon.
Despite its simplicity, the system is highly effective and has worked flawlessly for over a hundred years.
A Historical Wonder
This movable pulpit isn’t just a practical feature; it’s a symbol of the creativity and skill of early 20th-century craftsmanship.
Few churches in the UK boast such a unique design, making St. Cuthbert’s Church a true historical gem.
Whether you’re interested in engineering, church history, or simply curious about unusual features, the movable pulpit at St. Cuthbert’s Church is worth a visit!
Looking for a Lake District Holiday Cottage? Ring 07785944194 or enquire here.
How to Book Kents Bank Holiday Cottage in Grange-over-Sands, Lake District
Booking Kents Bank Holiday Cottage is quick and simple. Just visit our website at kentsbankholiday.co.uk or give us a call at 07785944194.
We’re always happy to answer your questions and help you find the perfect dates for your stay.
Our friendly team makes the whole process easy, so you can focus on looking forward to your relaxing Lake District holiday near Cartmel and Grange-over-Sands.