Church of Saint Oswald, King and Martyr, Oswaldkirk

The Church of Saint Oswald in Oswaldkirk sits on a hillside and displays Norman architecture with a 12th-century entrance portal. The building's interior and exterior are marked by Celtic stonework patterns carved into the masonry throughout.

The church was built around 1101, replacing an earlier wooden Anglo-Saxon chapel that once occupied the same site. Remains of an Anglo-Saxon stone cross from the pre-Norman era still survive within the building today.

Saint Oswald, the Anglo-Saxon king and saint for whom the church is named, continues to hold meaning in local devotion and community gatherings. The building serves the village as both a place of worship and a social hub where residents gather throughout the year.

The site is easily accessible on foot from the village center and sits atop a rise with views across the surrounding countryside. Visitors should check ahead as access may be restricted during certain events or services held throughout the year.

Inside the church sits a carved stone relief from around 1000 depicting the Virgin and Child, a rare example of early medieval sculpture in the region. Two 17th-century bells hung in the tower continue to ring during services, connecting centuries of sound to the present day.

Location: Oswaldkirk

Inception: 12 century

GPS coordinates: 54.20222,-1.04972

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:08