Bridekirk

Bridekirk is a village near Cockermouth in West Cumbria. It contains no shops but is does contain a small church.

Church: St. Bridgets

Bridekirk is named after its cruciform church, reconstructed in the late 1860s. Surviving are the remains of a ruined chancel with 16th-century east and south windows.

Incorporated in the new construction are two Norman doorways. The church is famous for its 12th-century casket-shaped font carved with inscriptions, birds, beasts and the baptism of Christ. It is signed by a 'Richard', believed to be the work of a famous carver from Durham. Old tombstones stand guard around the church walls. There are patterned tiles inside the church.

The church and vicarage belonged to the monastery of Guisborough before the dissolution. Two men born in the church vicarage became successful politicians:

• Sir Joseph Williamson, who was secretary of state in 1674
• Thomas Tickell (born 1685), a poet who was secretary to the lords justices of Ireland.