The Graham Gallery, Hayton Church

The Church of St Mary Magdalene at Hayton in Cumberland I thought a rather foolish concoction of classical and gothic styles, yet the whole is not unattractive. It was built in 1780 when gothic was just creeping into fashion. Its most peculiar feature, however, was added thirteen years later, and is known as the Graham Chapel, the Grahams being the local squires whose memorials bedeck its walls. It is built above the nave to the north, and is raised, so those within can peer down at the common folk below, or close the curtains so they may enjoy divine service without lesser mortals able to regard them. It even has its own entrance (bottom picture), so its gentle occupants might hurry out without any danger of, God forbid, rubbing shoulders with labourers and servants.

Newer wooden steps now give internal access from the nave, which I cheerfully employed, but this feature is a sorry expression of class division. The Grahams even enjoyed the benefits of a fire in their private gallery, offering welcome comfort on chill wintry mornings. I have no doubt that padded chairs were provided, and proved more amenable to a good doze than the hard pews below.

James, in the second chapter of his epistle, holds forth:

For if there come into your company a man with a gold ring, and in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment, and ye have a respect to him that weareth the gay clothing; and say unto him, Sit thou here in a goodly place, and say unto the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool, Are ye not partial in your selves, and are become Judges of evil thoughts? Hearken my beloved brethren, hath not God chosen the poor of this world, that they should be rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he promised to them that love him? But ye have despised the poor. Do not the rich oppress you by tyranny, and do they not draw you before the judgment seats? (vv2-6, Geneva Bible)

Was this passage ever preached at Hayton? Was it neatly sidestepped? Was it reinterpreted for the modern age? When God’s word reproves and corrects, change your practice and alter your habits. Never let it be the other way round.