Rural Churches

Nearly every village in the area around Carlisle has an ancient church at its core.

Some of the oldest churches can be found at Old Brampton and Bewcastle, whilst an intriguing 19th century church can be seen at Wreay with its unique symbols expressing life and death. Several Norman churches overlie Roman forts, as at Bowness-on-Solway, Brough-by-Sands, Kirkbride, Bewcastle and Old Brampton. Others were built with defence in mind - Burgh-by-Sands and Newton Arlosh being notable examples. The church at Lanercost survived Henry VIII's Dissolution of the Monasteries act, whilst Arthuret Church was rescued by royal intervention. Some house remarkable treasures, such as the exquisite Nollekens sculpture at Wetheral and the colourful Pre-Raphaelite stained-glass windows at Brampton.

All have fascinating stories to tell, so take time to visit the wealth of historical and architectural gems that can be discovered within Carlisle's rural churches.