St Bees, Priory of St Mary & St Bega

This beautiful building of red sandstone, founded in the 12th century as a Benedictine Priory, is one of Cumbria's finest old churches which is still used for regular worship. Situated in the peaceful coastal village of St Bees, it is within easy reach of the Lake District, and well worth a visit.

St Bees Priory Church is a 12th century building dedicated to St Mary and St Bega, dating back to 1120. There is evidence for the existence of an earlier church at St Bees before the Norman Conquest. Legend also tells of an Irish Princess called Bega, escaping across the Irish Sea from an enforced marriage, landing here and building a nunnery on land which the local landowner said she could have if it was covered by snow - on midsummer day. In the tradition of all good stories, it did!

The church, which appears in Simon Jenkins' book England's Thousand Best Churches has many features of interest to the visitor. A magnificent Norman doorway – the west door described by Wainwright in his Guide to the Coast to Coast Walk. Two sets of stained glass windows depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments; as well as a less noticeable but beautiful one of St Bega.

The Priory contains the last Father Willis Organ to be built under his personal supervision. Installed in 1899, it attracts organists from round the world and several celebrity recitals are given on it each year.

The altar is overlooked by a beautiful wall hanging produced by a team of parishioners as part of the Millennium celebrations. In the Lady Chapel can be seen two statues by Josefina de Vasconcellos of St Mary and St Bega. Facing the west door is the Dragon Stone lintel featuring St Michael and the Dragon, showing a blend of Christian and Norse art.

Website: www.stbees.org.uk
Email: imcandrew@stbees.org.uk

Opening Times
Daily, 9am – to dusk (or later if there is a service or function in the evening)

Service Times

Sunday	8am	Holy Communion
	10.30am	Family Communion (1st Sunday)
	10.30am	Morning Prayer (2nd Sunday)
	10.30am	Family Communion (3rd Sunday)
	10.30am	Family Service & Parade (4th Sunday)
	10.30am	Family Communion (5th Sunday)
	3.30pm	Evening Service (November to March)
	6pm	Evening Service (not on 2nd Sunday)
Saints Days	3.30pm	Communion