Gosforth, St Mary

Gosforth is a village of red sandstone and colour-washed houses, at the gateway to the western Lake District. Surrounded by Stone and Bronze Age Cairns and Circles on the nearby fells, it is itself a treasure-trove of Viking history. The Vikings - settlers rather than raiders - came from the Isle of Man, which is plainly visible from the fields above the village on a clear day.

The church of St. Mary is at the far end of the village, on the Wasdale road. This has been a Christian site for more than a millennium. The present church dates only from the end of the 19th century, and is but the latest of several.

The church's greatest treasure stands in the churchyard, between the lych-gate and the south porch, rising high above the path. It is slender sandstone Cross, 14½ feet high, the tallest complete pre-Norman sculpture surviving in England. It is amazingly and intricately carved with Viking legend, with here and there a Christian element. The Vikings were beginning to settle, and to become Christian, at the time this cross was made. It has stood here in Gosforth churchyard ever since - more than a thousand years. People come from all over the world to see it, and it is certainly well worth a visit.

There are treasures inside the church too. The south porch has 13th and 14th century grave covers and the remains of an ancient piscina (a stone basin) built into the windowsill. Along the north aisle, are two magnificent hogback tombs dating, like the Cross outside, from around AD 1000. They are in very fine condition and merit a closer look. Explanations and interpretations of their carvings, and of those on the Cross outside, are available.

Several old carvings have been built into the arch at the east end of the north aisle - most notable of these is the "Fishing Stone", seen on the right hand side. This too shows scenes from Norse legend, with a prevailing Christian element. The 12th century Norman capitals of the chancel arch are carved with what may be Green Men, though there are also other interpretations. The chancel arch itself is unusual in having no keystone.

Postcards and visitor leaflets are available in church.

Postcode: CA20 1AZ

Opening Times
Normally 9am - 5pm


Service Times

1st Sunday	10am	Parish Communion
2nd Sunday	8am	Holy Communion
	10am	Family Service
3rd Sunday	10am	Parish Communion
4th Sunday	10am	Parish Communion
5th Sunday		Benefice Service
		(details of times and location advertised in the church porch)