St Andrew's Church, Dent

St Andrew's Church in Dent is an Anglican church built in Norman and English Gothic styles with rubble stone walls and cylindrical columns supporting six-bay arcades. The floor displays a distinctive black-and-white checkerboard pattern made from polished Dent Marble.

The building was founded in 1150 and underwent major reconstructions in 1417, 1590, and 1787. A comprehensive restoration by Paley, Austin and Paley followed in 1889 and brought together its various earlier structures.

The interior preserves an octagonal oak pulpit from 1614 and traditional box pews from the 17th century that visitors still see in their original positions. These furnishings show how worshippers experienced services here across the centuries.

The building remains an active parish church within the Western Dales Mission Community and holds regular services. Visitors should be prepared for uneven ground around the exterior and traditional stone steps at the entrance.

The church floor is made from polished Dent Marble, a local stone crafted into a black-and-white checkerboard pattern found nowhere else in England. This material was quarried nearby and reflects a deep connection between the building and its surrounding landscape.

Location: Dent

Inception: 12 century

Architects: Sharpe, Paley and Austin

Architectural style: English Gothic architecture, Norman architecture

Website: http://achurchnearyou.com/dent-st-andrew

GPS coordinates: 54.27810,-2.45420

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:20