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The coastline of the western lake district, with its maritime history, has brought a variety of people and faiths to Cumbria’s shores. Many of whom settled, integrated and made the region their home.
St Mary’s, Gosforth, is rich in history and artefacts of the Scandinavian Vikings. The Norse ‘Gosforth Cross' dating from around 940AD, depicts a fusion of Viking and Christian stories which reveal the transition from pagan to Christian beliefs. One of the smallest churches near the deepest lake and the highest mountain in England; St Olaf’s, at Wasdale Head, honours the early Viking settlers to these dales as well as those lost on the surrounding peaks. St Bees Priory, is partly dedicated to St Bega. Bega was an Irish princess who sailed single handed across the Irish sea to escape a forced marriage to a Viking chief. Stained glass in the Priory depicts her landing. The Cistercian monastery of Holme Cultran Abbey was founded in 1150 by David I of Scotland, the order itself was established near Dijon, France. Buddhist symbols, in honour of a Sri Lankan vicar, are engraved into the glass doors of St James, Whitehaven. Step inside and you will find an impressive 18th Century interior. Once home to Benedictine Monks, spiritual descendants of early medieval Italy and Gaul, the now Roman Catholic church of Our Lady Star of the Sea & St Michael, Workington is also home to several mice; the carved symbol of the furniture maker Robert ‘Mouseman' Thompson of Kilburn.
Below, we have highlighted just a few of the churches in the Western Lakes & Coast area for you to explore. As well as this area, you can also find out more about churches in the following areas of the county:
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Located in the Queen Street Car Park. Recycle glass, cans, plastics, paper and card at this site.
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This robust offering includes a range of miniature mighty flavoursome savoury delights and, of…
Tailor made self guided, walking, cycling and touring holidays with luxury and classic…
Our diverse menu includes homemade crepes, crushed avocado on ciabatta, and comforting porridge.…
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Our fleet of heritage vessels provides unique venues for product launches, corporate entertainment,…
Coniston Boating Centre Car Park is on the western shore of Coniston Water and is easily reached…
Following years of playing alongside members of The Shadows themselves, including Bruce Welch, Jet…
An enjoyable mountain bike ride on gravel and stony tracks with views across the Langdale Pikes and…
Whether you have a few hours to unwind, an afternoon to recharge or a whole day to relax, come and…
Booths is a family owned and operated independent supermarket with over 160 years tradition of…
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Copper View is a VB 4-star bungalow. Set in the centre of Coniston village - an ideal base for many…
Borrowdale is a marvellous place to be; its crags, woodland, rivers and lakes make for an ideal…
Lindisfarne is a Victorian house quietly situated, but within a few minutes walk to the town…
A small car park in the centre of Dufton. If this is full there is also plenty of parking available…
You may leave the Lake District, but once you’ve been, it’ll never leave you.
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