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Address Wreay, Carlisle CA4 0SA, UK | ||
St Mary’s church in Wreay, Cumbria was constructed and designed by Sara Losh between 1840 and 1842 and has a rectangular nave and a semicircular apse following the style of Roman basilicas of the early church. Prominent in the churchyard are a mausoleum of Sara Losh's sister, Katharine, and a copy of the Bewcastle Cross.
Description
Bullen reports Dante Gabriel Rossetti's enthusiasm for this church (and Losh's other works in the village) which Rossetti described as "extraordinary architectural works" with "a church of a byzantine style and other things ... full of beauty and imaginative detail, though extremely severe and simple" and "much more original than the things done by the young architects now". The stonemason who carved the designs was William Hindson. A plaque to his memory is displayed in the church.
The rebuilding of the church was funded by Sara Losh on the condition that she would be allowed to choose the design. The design that she chose included many features that differed from the gothic style that was then in vogue for churches. She had been on the Grand Tour with her sister Katherine and they were both unmarried. Katherine died in 1835 and Sara dedicated this church to her. Outside the church is a mausoleum which contains a life-size marble statue of Katherine Losh which was made by David Dunbar based on a sketch supplied by Sara. Dunbar worked locally.