St Theobald's Great Musgrave

About

Idyllically set beside the River Eden below Great Musgrave, St Theobald’s (1845, by G.R. Appleby) stands on higher ground than its medieval predecessors, avoiding the floods that once damaged earlier churches on the site.

Built in the Early English style, it features a square castellated west tower and simple lancet windows, with a classic three light east window. Inside, the high chancel arch and roof braces are decorated with carved stone human heads and torsos, each one unique.

Although the present building is Victorian, earlier churches still leave their traces. Look for 18th century numbered benches, a 13th century foliate cross coffin lid in the east wall, a 16th century brass in the nave floor, and two 15th century bells.

The church is also home to the ancient rushbearing. A tradition from the days when earthen floors were strewn with reeds. Each July, local children would bring rushes and flower crowns into the church, where they remain for the year. The church also has a notable former rector: the religious philosopher William Paley.