St Michael's Church, Torpenhow

St Michael's Church is a sandstone building featuring a three-bay nave with north and south aisles, a north transept, and a choir covered by green slate roofing. The windows were designed by Clayton and Bell, showing examples of 19th-century craftsmanship in stained glass.

The church was founded around 1150 and reused stone from a nearby Roman fort at Old Carlisle. Major renovations followed in the 13th and 15th centuries, incorporating medieval architectural styles.

The choir displays intricately carved Norman arches, and the ceiling features decorative elements that once belonged to a London guild hall. These details reveal how the place connected to craft traditions and how old materials were repurposed over time.

The location sits on elevated ground and is reached by footpaths through the village. The building remains open during daylight hours and visitors should wear appropriate clothing for exploring this rural setting.

In the south porch stands a medieval gravestone that ranks among the region's oldest surviving burial monuments. This stone offers rare insight into early medieval burial practices and stone carving craft.

Location: Blennerhasset and Torpenhow

Inception: 12 century

Architectural style: English Gothic architecture, Norman architecture

Website: http://binsey.org.uk/index.php/parishes/torpenhow

GPS coordinates: 54.74690,-3.23530

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:43