St Michael and All Angels, Isel

About

Isel church is a beautiful Grade I listed building, which is located in an idyllic position in a carefully tended churchyard close to the River Derwent and the grounds of Isel Hall.

It stands near a site where an ancient British village is thought to have existed on the hillock above the present roadway. The pre-Conquest name of St Michael, and fragments of crosses on display inside the church, indicate the presence of a church on this site before Norman times.

The current church dates from around 1130AD. Despite being extensively renovated in Victorian times, the widespread survival of the Norman shell of this church for nearly 900 years, is truly remarkable. The Chancel arch being one of the chief architectural beauties.

The interior was reordered in 1878 by CJ Ferguson, a pupil of George Gilbert Scott. It is not surprising that Ferguson did a reasonably careful job, which included opening up blocked Norman and Early English windows, as he was the premier church architect in the region at the time.

This has helped to return something of the church’s feeling of antiquity. Two Norman arches survive, in addition to four Norman windows. The oddities that have also endured from the past include an early stone staircase ambiguously set in the wall below an early window near the pulpit, what was it for? Several historical wall plaques, table and chest tombs can be found inside and four intriguing sundials are carved into the outside wall.

There is a slate monument of 1632 to Sir Wilfred Lawson, twice MP for Cumberland.

Here, by the River Derwent (the river of oak trees), not far from the Roman fort of Derventio at Papcastle, a village community worked and worshiped under the influence of the Christian ethic until the arrival of the Normans.

Key Features

Captivating architecture
Enchanting atmosphere
Famous connections
Fascinating churchyard
Glorious furnishings
Magnificent memorials
National heritage here
Social heritage stories
Spectacular stained glass
Wildlife haven
 

Visitor information

Accessible toilets nearby
Dog friendly
Level access to the main areas
On street parking at church
Parking within 250m
Space to secure your bike
Walkers & cyclists welcome
 

Opening Times 

Open everyday 10am to 5pm.