St Michael & All Angels
Muncaster, Cumbria
Located in the grounds of Muncaster Castle, it is believed that worship on this site dates to pre Christian times.
According to Nikolaus Pevsner, it has 'the richest haul in the country of Anglo-Saxon and Anglo-Danish work, culminating in the Gosforth Cross'.
This highly significant Norse cross, from around 940AD, depicts the victory of Christ over the heathen gods, showing the transition from pagan to Christian beliefs.
Standing 4.3m (14ft) tall in the churchyard and notable for its slenderness, it is unique among English Viking crosses, not only in size and complete survival but in the quality and detail of its carving.
Inside the church are two 10th century Viking hogback tombstones. Designed as houses of the dead, they are carved with battle scenes. You can also see early stonework on the walls, including carved faces on the chancel arch and a Viking stone carved with a fishing scene.