Trusted Hardwicke Rawnsley: The Vicar Who Made Crosthwaite Church

Hardwicke Drummond Rawnsley, a name that resonates through the history of Crosthwaite Church in Keswick and the Lake District, was far more than just a vicar.

His 34-year tenure at St. Kentigern’s Church in Crosthwaite, from 1883 to 1917, left an indelible mark on the community and the nation.

St Kentigern was driven out of Scotland and set up across in a clearing or thwaite in 553AD, hence the name Crosthwaite.

A Man of Many Talents

Rawnsley was a true Renaissance man – an Anglican priest, poet, local politician, and passionate conservationist.

His multifaceted personality and tireless energy transformed Crosthwaite Church from a simple place of worship into a hub of social, cultural, and environmental activism.

Revitalising Crosthwaite Church

Upon his arrival at Crosthwaite, Rawnsley immediately set about breathing new life into the ancient parish.

He revived the traditional symbols of St. Kentigern, incorporating them into the church’s mosaic floor. This act not only beautified the church but also reconnected it with its roots in the 6th century.

A Champion for Education and the Arts

Rawnsley’s vision extended far beyond the church walls. He was instrumental in founding Keswick High School, one of the first co-educational secondary schools in the country.

His belief that education should encompass culture, art, and environmental awareness shaped the school’s ethos.

Together with his wife Edith, Rawnsley founded the Keswick School of Industrial Arts (KSIA).

This institution became a cornerstone of local craftsmanship, with many of its creations still adorning Crosthwaite Church today, including the reredos, altar frontals, and even the church gates.

The Birth of the National Trust

Perhaps Rawnsley’s most far-reaching achievement was his role in co-founding the National Trust in 18933.

Recognising that protests and legislation alone were insufficient to protect the Lake District’s natural beauty, he joined forces with Robert Hunter and Octavia Hill to create an organisation that would own land on behalf of the public.

A Legacy Intertwined with Literature

Rawnsley’s connection to literature extended beyond his prolific writing career.

The church graveyard is the final resting place of the renowned poet Robert Southey.

In 1844, nearly four decades before Rawnsley’s arrival, the church underwent significant restoration funded by a local benefactor as part of a memorial to Southey.

Crosthwaite Church: A Living Monument

It is thought that Christians have worshipped on the site of St Kentigern Church since St Kentigern was driven out of Scotland and set up his cross in a clearing or thwaite in 553AD.

Today, Crosthwaite Church stands as a testament to Rawnsley’s legacy. The baptistry, dedicated to his memory, showcases impressive stonework and woodwork, along with several artefacts that tell the story of his impactful life.

Canon Hardwicke Rawnsley, along with his wife Edith, are laid to rest here.

A Visionary Ahead of His Time

Rawnsley’s concerns were remarkably prescient. He campaigned against practices we still grapple with today, such as animal cruelty and environmental destruction.

His efforts to make the countryside accessible to all laid the groundwork for modern concepts of public land use and conservation.

The Rawnsley Touch: Beyond Crosthwaite

Rawnsley’s influence extended far beyond his parish. As Rural Dean of Keswick and an honorary canon of Carlisle Cathedral, he used these platforms to advocate for his causes on a broader stage.

His work with the Lake District Defence Society helped preserve the region’s natural beauty for future generations.

A Lasting Impact

Even after his retirement in 1917, Rawnsley’s impact continued to be felt.

He moved to Grasmere but chose to be buried in the churchyard of his beloved Crosthwaite parish.

Today, visitors can pay their respects to this remarkable man whose vision and dedication made Crosthwaite Church more than just a building – it became a symbol of community, education, art, and conservation.

Hardwicke Rawnsley’s legacy serves as a reminder that a single individual, driven by passion and conviction, can effect lasting change.

His work at Crosthwaite Church and beyond continues to inspire and benefit people more than a century later, making him a true unsung hero of the Lake District.