St Cuthbert Bewcastle

Key the name "Bewcastle" into any search engine and it immediately suggests you mean "Newcastle"!

So where on earth is it? Located within Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site, yet not on the wall, and just a few miles from the Scottish border, the church is Grade II* and dates from the 13th century with building material from the Roman fort in which both the church and the medieval castle sit; the tower was added in the late 18th century. However, there has been a Christian community here since the 7thC, possibly associated with St Cuthbert, the great saint of Northern England and one-time bishop of these parts. We are in remote north east Cumbria.

The 8th century Bewcastle Cross, a scheduled monument in the churchyard, is ranked by Pevsner as one of the 12 most important monuments in Britain - and, along with the Ruthwell Cross, it is one of the oldest Christian monuments in Britain (excluding gravestones).

In the churchyard is a small and easy-to-visit museum outlining life in Bewcastle from prehistoric times up to the present.

Tellingly recently was this comment in the visitors’ book “Apart from Iona, I know of no place with such a “Wow” factor!” Was the visitor referring to the impact of the cross, to the museum, to the location or perhaps to the peaceful, contemplative atmosphere inside the church, which is open every single day of the year during daylight hours? Come and see for yourself!

Find us nine miles north of Brampton and the A69, fifteen miles east of Longtown; National Grid Ref NY 5654 7456, or put CA6 6PS in your satnav, or "visions.dried.swanky" in what3words.

St Cuthbert Kirklinton

The parish of Kirklinton :St Cuthbert is committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Parish Safeguarding Officer(s), PSOs. The Diocese of Carlisle’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor (DSA) who advise our PSOs. If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact the DSA. If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority Children or Adults Services.

St Mary Hethersgill

The parish of Kirklinton with Hethersgill :St Mary Hethersgill is committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Parish Safeguarding Officer(s), PSOs. The Diocese of Carlisle’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor (DSA) who advise our PSOs. If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact the DSA. If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority Children or Adults Services.

St Mary, Stapleton

St Mary's Church lies in the centre of a large rural parish in the north of the Brampton Deanery and is blessed with glorious views of the Pennines and the Lake District. It holds a service once a month, in turn with the other 3 churches in the Benefice . The Church is well supported by the local community and organises a Christmas Fair , a Harvest Supper and other events during the year.

The current church replaces one from a much earlier date but of which little is known, other than the name of the incumbent in 1294 was Rector Gilbert de Mancheton. In 1702 Bishop Nicholson commented on the poor condition of the Church which had no glass in the window, no flooring and no seats. Happily the new church which was consecrated on 28th April 1831 is in fine condition.