Maryport St Mary’s Church

Standing above Maryport in the heart of the old town, St Mary’s Church has been part of the town’s story almost from the beginning.

The first church was built here in 1760 by Humphrey Senhouse of Netherhall, who developed the new coal port and named Maryport after his wife, Mary. Originally a chapel for the growing port community, it was rebuilt in 1847 and enlarged again in the 1890s, leaving the distinctive red sandstone church and tower that overlook the town today.

Inside are reminders of more than 250 years of Maryport history, from the surviving font and memorial to Humphrey Senhouse to an impressive collection of Victorian stained glass.

St Mary’s remains very much part of everyday life in Maryport. Alongside regular worship, the church supports the local foodbank, community groups, schools, a Warm Space and events that bring people together throughout the year.

This illustration captures St Mary’s in spring, framed by a flowering cherry tree — a familiar Maryport landmark whose history is closely entwined with that of the town itself.