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The church was founded in 1120, is one of the architectural jewels in Cumbria and well worth a visit.

The church is probably the most impressive in Wensleydale with a battlemented tower, nave and chancel.

The Priory church of St Mary & the Holy Cross was the nave of a Benedictine priory church, the priory was dedicated to St Mary and the church to the Holy Cross.

This church is well known because of its associations with the great Romantic poet William Wordsworth, who lived in nearby Dove Cottage and is buried in the churchyard.

The church is perpendicular in style.

St Mary’s church was originally founded in the 7th century and was mentioned in the Domesday Book.

With its ancient stone cross carved by Anglo-Saxon and Viking sculptors, its Norman arch and medieval font and stained glass windows, the church spans a millennium; cross the threshold and feel yourself stepping back in time.

A gem not to be missed.