wasdale & gosforth churches...

St Olaf's Church, Wasdale Head (NY 188 087)

The tiny 16th-century church at Wasdale was originally a chapel of ease for St Bees Priory and had no saint's dedication until 1977 when it was named after the Viking king, Olaf, who is credited with converting his kingdom to Christianity in the 10th century. The churchyard, ringed by yew trees, contains several graves to those who died scaling the heights of Pillar Rock, Great Gable and Scafell. Particularly poignant is the grave of three young men who, roped together, fell to their deaths from Pinnacle Rock on Scafell in 1903. Inside, the attractive Napes Needle window carries the inscription: ‘I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my strength' as a memorial to members of the Fell & Rock Climbing Club who died during World War I.

St Michael's and All Angel's Church, Nether Wasdale (NY 125 041) 

Simple whitewashed church dating from the 16th century, with an unusual parabolic ceiling and moulded plaster bosses. The richly carved oak panelling, pulpit and lectern were salvaged from York Minster following a fire there in the 19th century.

St Mary's Church, Gosforth (NY 073 036)

Although the church is of Norman foundation, it contains the richest collection of pre-Norman (Anglo-Saxon and Anglo-Viking) stonework in the county. Two Viking hogback tombstones can be seen in the north aisle. The smaller tomb, known as the Warrior Tomb, is carved with images of a great army and allegedly represents the defeat of King Ethelred's army on Hardknott Pass in 1000 AD. The taller hogback bears images of Christ on each end and is called the Saint's Tomb. Inserted into the end of the north aisle is the ‘fishing stone', said to illustrate the Norse myth of Thor and the World Serpent. Elsewhere are fragments of carved stones built into the walls and several 13th century grave covers in the porch. Pride of place though goes to the exceptional 10th century Gosforth Cross in the churchyard.

Gosforth Cross (NY 073 036), St Mary's churchyard, Gosforth

This slender 14 ft (4.5 m) cross is an outstanding example of Norse craftsmanship, and depicts scenes from Norse mythology overlain with Christian symbolism. The rounded lower part is carved to represent the trunk of Yggdrasil or the sacred ash that supported the world. The upper part is square and carved with gods, serpents, wolves and a crucifixion scene before tapering to a wheel-head cross at the top. The mix of Norse and Christian symbolism is indicative of the transition from pagan to Christian beliefs during this time.

St Paul's Church, Irton (NY 902 005)

This Victorian church, standing proudly isolated on a ridge of land, looks somewhat out of place when viewed against the magnificent backdrop of the Lakeland fells. However, inside are some notable stained glass windows designed by Edward Burne-Jones and installed by the William Morris School. The churchyard holds one of the most beautiful Anglian stone crosses in England, richly decorated with vine scrolls, rosettes and interlacing knotwork.