IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Mattinson Croft, PENRITH, CA11 9LP

Current building dates from 1867-68 and replaced an earlier school, possibly on the same site, built in 1686. Prior to 1686, classes were held in the Church tower from circa 1515 - see: Image] . The school may have closed circa 2004, but seems to be open again.

The Parish War Memorial, in the grounds of St Cuthbert's Church. For information on the Church, see: Image] .

The nave with its small round-headed Norman windows is mainly 13th-century. The chancel is later; it and its arch ("a fine piece of Norman work" according to Arthur Mee) were restored in 1866. Remnants of a Roman altar can be seen in the church. The modern collage on the left depicts the patron St Cuthbert with his right hand uplifted in blessing. St Cuthbert's is listed Grade II* https://britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/101100260-church-of-st-cuthbert-great-salkeld

The church is built with red sandstone, which is typical of the buildings of this area. The western flank of the Pennines is visible in the background.

The dedication recalls that St Cuthbert's remains were brought to Great Salkeld from Lindisfarne in 880, to safeguard them from Norse raids, and it is likely that a church was built to house them. The present building dates from Norman times, as the small round-headed windows of the nave indicate, the chancel with its rectangular windows being rebuilt later and restored in 1866. A pele tower (one of three such in Cumbria) was added at the west end around 1380 for defence against the Scots. Arthur Mee, who visited in 1937, found it "not unlike a Norman keep ... Immense for the size of the church, [with] an embattled parapet, a square turret all the way up and windows which are little more than slits." St Cuthbert's is listed Grade II* https://britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/101100260-church-of-st-cuthbert-great-salkeld

The south doorway, which dates from 1088. For information on the Church, see: Image] .

The origins of this Church can be traced back to 880AD, when the body of St Cuthbert is believed to have rested here during its seven year wanderings from Holy Island, whose Monks were fleeing from marauding Danes. Building work on the Church started in 1080, but only the south doorway (see: ) and parts of the nave survive. The tower was added in 1380, a new chancel in 1480 and an entrance porch in 1750. The Church is open daily, a Guide Book is available and donations are welcome.