St John the Evangelist's Church, Crosscanonby

St John the Evangelist's Church is a 12th-century church building in Crosscanonby constructed of red sandstone blocks with a green slate roof topped by coped gables. The structure contains a three-bay nave, south aisle, south porch, north vestry, and a single-bay chancel, with an open bellcote positioned on the west gable.

The building was constructed around 1130 and incorporates Roman masonry, indicating it stands on one of the oldest Christian locations in northwest England. Its position beside a Roman road shaped its development and ensured its continued religious use throughout many centuries.

The interior holds a 13th-century font decorated with leaf patterns and a medieval painting of the Last Supper displayed on the walls. The community has maintained these artworks over centuries as part of its ongoing worship and spiritual life.

The church is accessible on foot and the interior can be visited during regular Anglican services. Visitors should know that the building remains an active place of worship and access times may vary depending on services and events.

An Anglo-Danish hog-back tombstone rests outside the south wall, demonstrating Viking influence in the region during medieval times. This unusual monument is often overlooked by visitors despite offering valuable insight into the early medieval population history of the area.

Location: Crosscanonby

Inception: 12 century

Architectural style: English Gothic architecture, Norman architecture

Website: http://achurchnearyou.com/cross-canonby-st-john-the-evangelist

GPS coordinates: 54.73730,-3.44720

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:40