Hutton Roof and Newbiggin

St John's Church is part of the Rainbow Parish centred on Kirkby Lonsdale.

Regular services:
2nd Sunday of the month : Morning Service 11am
4th Sunday of the month : Holy Communion 11am

The most celebrated vicar of Hutton Roof was the Rev Theodore Bayley Hardy, VC, DSO, MC. 2018 was the 100th anniversary of his death. For more information or access to the church please contact Anne Huntington at the village post office or phone on 015242 71213

This film, a Charlie Shea-Simonds production for the Museum of Army Chaplaincy, was first shown at a packed Hutton Roof Village Hall on 29th January 2010. The evening was presented by Charlie Shea-Simonds and the other members of the production team were also present along with many distinguished visitors and villagers.

It is thought there has been a church at Hutton Roof as early as the 13th Century. The present church was designed by Paley and Austin and consecrated in 1881.

The church was 125 years old in 2006. On Country Fair and Fell Race Day (Saturday 27th May 2006) a lovely display of the history of the last 125 years was put on. See photos of the displays and the anniversary trip to the Somme.

There is an interesting article on the church in Winter 2005/6 newsletter of the Kirkby Lonsdale & District Civic Society.

Rev Theodore Bayley Hardy, VC, DSO, MC.

The Rev Theodore Bayley Hardy, VC, DSO, MC, vicar of Hutton Roof from 1913 to 1918 is the most decorated non-combatant in the First World War.

Although in his 50s, the Rev Hardy was determined to join up to serve at the front. It took alot of persistence to persuade the authorities of this, but in 1917 he was with the 8th Lincolns at the Battle of Passchendaele.

In September of 1917 he was awarded his first decoration, the Distinguished Service Order and just over a month later in October the Military Cross.

For three very brave and selfless actions carried out on the 5th, 25th and 27th of April the Reverend Hardy was awarded the highest honour, the Victoria Cross. When he heard of his VC nomination his reaction was typical of the man, "I really must protest".

Past and Present Clergy of Hutton Roof