St Thomas's Church

Stricklandgate, opposite the Union Taverns pub

The growth of the town at the north end, which took place in the interval between the years 1820 and 1835, called for increased church accommodation in that locality - farthest removed from the parish church; and a subscription, munificently headed by Mrs Thomasin Richardson, widow, for £1000, soon realised a sufficient fund for a new church, which was built in 1837, and dedicated to St. Thomas. It ignores the traditional custom of the middles ages in placing what was called "the alter window", to the east; the tower front, in this case, being to the east, and the chancel, with its communion window, facing the west. It is designed in the "old English" or lanceolated, style, and the proportions are well sustained. The tower, surmounted by pinnacles and crockets, rises to a height of ninety-five feet, the vestibules being on either flank of the tower. The windows are the usual triple and double lancet of the periods of "the order." The interior consists of a nave, seventy-five feet lomg by forty-five feet in breadth, opening upon the chancel, twenty-four feet by fifteen feet. The seat accommodation is equal to about 850 sittings, of which 500 are free. It cost only about £3000. Alderman Geo. Webster architect. The present incumbent is the Rev. J.A. Latrobe, M.A. Honorary Canon of Carlisle, who was appointed in 1839. A Handsome parsonage house, for the perpetual use of the incumbent of St Thomas's, was erected in 1854, on elevated ground immediately above the church, with funds raised by subscription chielfly through the exertions of Mrs. Latrobe. The cost, including land was £1100.

Annals of Kendal, Cornelius Nicholson, 1861

St Thomas's is a 'District' church like the parish church