Four beautiful churches in South Cumbria are currently on Historic England's Heritage at Risk Register. 

The places of worship are most at risk of being lost as a result of neglect, decay or inappropriate development.

Each year Historic England updates the register to assess those most at risk and most in need of safeguarding for the future.

The main threats to churches are failing roofs, stonework deterioriation and rainwater damage.

Ssimple, regular maintenance is essential to prevent these South Cumbrian declining into a poor or very bad condition.

Church of St Mary of Furness, Barrow

Listed Building grade II

Condition: Poor

Built to the design of EW Pugin in 1867, the Spire was added in 1888. Stone decay to spire and corroding squinch beams and cramps which were addressed in 2016 with the assistance of a grant under the National Lottery Heritage Fund Grants for Places of Worship scheme.

The lower roofs are deteriorating with consequent water ingress.

Church of St Anne, Meadowcroft, Ings, Hugill

Listed Building grade II

Condition: Poor

The Parish church with west tower, nave and chance dates back to 1743 built of rough coursed stonework with stone slate roofs

A venetian window is located at the east end with the remaining windows round headed. Interior has late C19/early C20 pews and a mixture of C18 and Victorian fittings.

The beautiful church is generally well maintained but has signs of damp in north west corner.

Church of St Peter, Heversham 

Listed Building grade II

Condition: Poor

The ancient church has 12th century origins with 14th, 15th and 16th additions and was rebuilt after fire in early 17th centure.

It was restored by Paley and Austin in 1868 and has a West tower, nave, north and south aisles, chancel and south porch.

The structure is currently suffering from water ingress in both clerestory and north aisle walls.

Church of Holy Trinity and St George, New Road, Kendal

Listed Building grade II

Condition: Poor

This amazing church dates back to 1835 and was designed in gothic style by George Webster. Its nave and chancel is in single-cell form with enclosed porch under the western organ loft.

Interior shows signs of water ingress at eastern corners, causing loss of plaster and damage to decorative scheme.