Appleby Church

St Lawrence's Church is in Appleby-in-Westmorland is a fine, historical parish church as befits a former county town, even one so small and remote. Inside is a number of impressive tombs of the powerful and wealthy, not least Lady Ann Clifford, who seems to have prospered under both Cromwell and Charles Stuart, rebuilding half the castles and churches in northern England. I have bought a copy of her journal and shall enjoy poring over it this summer.

A plainer sculpture of her is in the crypt (second image), in which she appears to be smiling; the one on public display, above, shows her rather prim but wearing a countess’ coronet, hands clasped in prayer. Time will tell if the Lord was as impressed by her piety as her contemporaries.

Curiously, the pulpit at Appleby is made of wrought iron. Behind it, no preacher can hide, for it shows all. If God knows the heart of the famous and notable, he also knows well enough those who would preach to others. There is many a crook and charlatan to have occupied a pulpit, and each one of them will be held accountable to the great God in whose name they presumed to speak. 

Almighty God, unto whom all hearts be open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love thee, and worthily magnify thy holy name: through Christ our Lord. Amen. -The Book of Common Prayer