St Oswald's Church, Ravenstonedale

St Oswald's Church is a neoclassical church building constructed from rubble stone with slate roofing and an eight-bay nave. It features a three-stage west tower with a doorway as its main entrance.

The church was built in 1738, replacing an earlier Norman structure and reusing materials from the previous building. The site has a longer religious history extending back to the medieval period.

The interior with its pews facing the center of the nave follows a college chapel arrangement, creating an unusual layout for a parish church. The three-decker pulpit on the north side emphasizes this distinctive design.

The building is well-maintained from outside and holds Grade I listed status, with the churchyard accessible to visitors. Be aware that the three historic bells in the tower are not currently functional for ringing.

The churchyard holds ruins of a 13th-century Gilbertine Priory, showing the area's medieval monastic past. A pre-Norman cross-shaft stands nearby alongside a brass sundial plate dated 1700.

Location: Ravenstonedale

Inception: 1738

Architectural style: Neoclassical architecture

Website: http://ravenstonedale.org/churches/oswalds

GPS coordinates: 54.43300,-2.42960

Latest update: December 14, 2025 15:00