St Columba's Church, Warcop

St Columba's Church is a Norman parish church built from red sandstone with a cruciform floor plan that includes a nave, south aisle, transepts, and chancel. Inside, detailed stained glass windows line the walls and create colored light throughout the space.

The church was built around 1150 on the site of a former Roman camp, connecting it to the area's deep past. Major renovations by architect J. S. Crowther between 1854 and 1855 updated the structure while keeping its medieval character.

The church maintains a traditional rushbearing ceremony each year on June 29, when locals decorate the interior with reeds. This practice connects the community across generations and offers visitors a glimpse of how people celebrate their local heritage together.

The church welcomes visitors during regular worship services and community gatherings as part of the Heart of Eden Benefice. Check ahead for service times, as opening hours vary and the building may have limited access on certain days.

The interior contains numerous preserved box pews from the early 18th century that show how worshippers once sat separated in individual enclosures. The stained glass windows were created by Powell of Whitefriars, a studio known for fine craftsmanship during that era.

Location: Warcop

Inception: 12 century

Architects: J. S. Crowther

Architectural style: English Gothic architecture, Norman architecture

Website: http://achurchnearyou.com/warcop-st-columba

GPS coordinates: 54.53600,-2.39880

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:00