St Cuthbert

St Cuthbert's has a long interesting history starting circa 1175. Early accounts state that the area near the present church, known as the Fishlake ‘Fysshlake Landing’ and ‘Cuthbertehaven' was regarded as the most southerly place to which St Cuthbert’s coffin was, sometime in the 9th century. It was allegedly carried by faithful monks bearing him to a temporary resting place of safety from the then current Viking raids on Christian communities in the northeast of England.

One of the most distinctive features is the remarkable Romanesque sculpture that forms a major part of the 12th century south doorway. The low arch, with four rows of highly detailed stone carvings, has often been acclaimed as beyond doubt the finest of the notable collection of Romanesque church doorways in Yorkshire, and one of only two in England that displays such a level of skill and accomplishment. The doorway has been the subject of great interest to clergy, parishioners and villagers over many generations and is known to have attracted historians and academics for at least 200 years. The four orders (arches) of the sculpture are thought to have been designed by a Cluniac monk who used his knowledge of the Bible to set out four levels of teaching in the form of images, representing the interior of the church as paradise, and then the ages past, present and those to come, in a pictorial history of salvation. From the most accredited academic research, it would seem that the sculpture was probably crafted by a team of highly skilled Cluniac artisans. As far as can be ascertained, the south doorway here is now the only remaining example of the work of this extremely accomplished team in the north of England.

Do come and look at this amazing example of 12th century workmanship. There are two cafes, pubs and B&B's nearby too. There is plenty of easy walking right by the church on the river bank, a great place to stretch the legs.