About Us

The ancient church of St Oswald stands near the foot of Ingleborough. The original church was was rebuilt in Norman times by the Mowbray family but the tower was added later in the 15th century. A fire in 1933 gutted the church which was rebuilt in the decorated 14th century Gothic style, the work of Austin and Paley,   St Oswald's is one of the most beautiful churches in the diocese.

The congregation of St Oswald's is a gathering of Christians seeking to glorify God in worship and in service for the benefit of the people of Thornton (Westhouse) and Ireby.   The church hosts events for the village: concerts, exhibitions and seeks to work with the local parish council, the Marton arms and our Methodist neighbours. 

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was married here and copies of his marriage certificate are available. It has also been argued (by the late Professor C Heywood of Sheffield University) that Emily Bronte's 'Wuthering Heights was set in and around our parish.

Externally on the SW butress is a very distinctive Victorian bench mark. First Primary Levelling, England & Wales (1840-60)
This bench mark was used during the First primary levelling, England & Wales, and was levelled with a height of 441.8760 feet [134.6838 metres] above mean sea level (Liverpool datum). It was included as a side level on the Milner's Bridge to Bradford levelling line. The surveyor's description was No. 31(a). St. Oswalds's Church, Thornton. Bolt in tower ; 4.40 ft. above surface (p448).

The churchyard is beautifully kept by local volunteers with flowerbeds, and gravestones dating back to the eighteenth century. Internally further monuments including both seventeenth century and medieval are to be found. One a twelfth century cross slab with a fructrated stem and four step calvery which may be that for the fourth baron Mowbray who rebuilt the ancient Anglo-Saxon church in the Norman manner.  Three arches of the north arcade remind us of this rebuild.

In summer the church is open on Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10:30 until 5pm.  For those who enjoy fine churchyards, the yard is always open, seating is available and it is a delight.

We are now part of the Ingleborough Team Ministry https://www.ingleboroughchurches.org.uk.Our vicar is the Reverend Harriet Johnson.

We are also now registered with the Parish Giving Scheme. All donations gratefully welcome. https://www.parishgiving.org.uk/donors/find-your-parish/thornton-in-lonsdale-st-oswald-lancaster/