Raughton Head

All Saints’ Church at Raughton Head, Cumberland, has little that is notable bedsides its gigantic tower and it's proximity to Rose Castle, former palace of the Bishops of Carlisle. Any incumbent of All Saints’ might have been wearied by the opportunities for meddling available to his neighbouring prelate.

It was the memorial to a former incumbent which caught my eye. Such monuments are common enough in parish churches- there are even two in our own modest chapel. The relief of the young man with his head in his hand I thought rather moving. Does this express his loved ones' grief at his passing? Or a reflection of his own regrets, the unfulfilled ambitions, the good intentions never seen through? There is only one way to prevent regrets and remorse on one’s death bed, and that is to act on them, right now. Do not conclude your earthly life like Reverend Monkhouse, head in hand, shoulders hunched, grief writ large.

Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:14-16