St Michael

Welcome to our beautiful and peaceful church.But it has not always had such a quiet time. The building has undergone many changes since beginning its life in the 11th century. With its close proximity to the castle 200yds away, it was targeted by William the Lion in 1174 and then by many raiding parties from the Scottish borders. Through the centuries it has evolved into the place it is today which you can read about in the available fascinating leaflet.

Become absorbed in the history which dates back to early Norman times and has earlier links to the Romans and later to Lady Anne Clifford. Find the windows containing fragments of medieval glass. Or rest awhile in the peaceful setting indoors or out in the ancient churchyard.

If you are interested in stained glass, we have several medieval fragments set into plain leaded windows, use your imagination to guess what they depict. There is a memorial to Lady Anne Clifford’s steward and also to a Roman commander who was stationed at the fort which stood on the castle site. More intriguing is a memorial to a 3rd century Syrian, named Hermes and aged 16 years.

In the tower are hung 4 bells which if rung are possibly the heaviest peal in the world, the heaviest weighing in at 19cwt! Perhaps they could be heard across this sparsely populated parish.

Brough under Stainmore has a history predating Roman settlement due to its position on the west side of a pass over the Pennines. We have a display explaining its life as a trading, resting and thoroughfare for travellers. It also has an industrial past in coal, lead and baryte mining. More personally, I like the numerous stories of the lives of the inhabitants.

The churchyard is a source of much family history investigating, but also it is a place to sit and watch the clouds scud by, breathe in the fresh air and listen to birdsong. Be wary though and wear something warm as the wind can be bracing and invigorating.

Our sister church is St Stephens, South Stainmore, a four mile uphill journey which is also well worth a visit.