Cockermouth Congregational Church

The Congregational Church in Cockermouth was the first one in the county and was founded in 1651. At that time it was illegal to hold non-Church of England services so meetings took place out of town. By 1719 the situation had changed and a chapel was built off the Main Street and backing on the river Derwent. The numbers 1719 are engraved in the stone lintel between the two pillars in the porch shown in the photograph.

In 1851 the present church was built in front of the chapel fronting onto the Main Street. The chapel was demoted to the Sunday School and was used as a hall for various groups.

The Sunday School and church cooperated over regular Concerts, plays, operettas and of course Nativity celebrations.

The Sunday School has been converted into accommodation accessed from the rear with a much improved entrance area

Access to the Sunday School was down a narrow path down the left hand side of the church which opened out into a gloomy area between the high buildings which dull grey walls. Underfoot the surface was loose stones with a selection of ancient headstones leaning on the walls.

In 1990 the school room was changed into accommodation for handicapped people.

A Brief History of the Sunday School/Church

Cockermouth Congregational, (United Reform), Church

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