St Bega Bassenthwaite church

To our visitors.
The clergy, churchwardens and the parishioners of Bassenthwaite warmly welcome you to this ancient parish church. For over a thousand years, Christian worship has taken place here, and we hope that you may be able to attend one of our services. Details of these are to be found in the parish magazine or in the church porch.

Map and Gallery:

 Many people find this church to be a source or inspiration for their private prayers, and we hope that you find the same.

 Saint Bega was the daughter of a seventh century Irish Chieftain. At an early age, she resolved to devote herself to the service of God and renouncing worldly pursuites, she "wedded herself" to the service of our Lord Jesus Christ. She fled from Ireland to avoid marriage to a Norse Prince selected by her farther. She landed about thirty miles from here at St.Bees Head. She possessed a bracelet bearing an image of the cross which is recorded as having a miraculous healing properly. This bracelet was kept in veneration at StBees Priory until the twelfth century. Her story has been retold in a dramatic way by Melvin Bragg in his book "Credo"

 The siting of the church is a matter of some debate. The church is older than any other known settlement in the parish. It is situated on an ancient roadway leading from Little Crosthwaite to Bowness. It is possible that the church is built at a place where St.Bega resided for some time or where she was buried, though there is no evidence for this.

 The Architecture: Random courses of large stones, which might derive from a Roman building, can be seen in the north and east outer walls. These and the plain arch are indicative of the Norse or pre-Norman style of building. The original church, with chancel and naive only, probably dates from about AD 950. The arch between the south transept and the chancel has the Norman style of chamfer and may date from the mid-twelfth century, when the documented history of the church begins.

 The south aisle arch is of early English style and dates from about the mid-fourteenth century, when Sir Adam de Bastenthwayt endowed the church with chantry chapel. The church underwent extensive renovations in 1874.

 The Monuments: The font is octagonal and dates from about 1300. In the south aisle, sear the vestory door, can be seen the memorial to Sir Robert Highmore, erected in the late fourteenth century.

 The wrought iron hourglass stand, fixed to the south pillar of the chancel arch, dates from about 1600. It was used for timing the sermon in a manner visible to the congregation.
The Royal Coat of Arms of King George II hangs over the south doorway. It was erected at the time of the 1745 rebellion to remind people where their loyalty should be.

 Visitors to the church: Probably in 1794, William and Dorothy Wordsworth visited the church, which features in Wordsworth's " A Guide to the English Lakes". In 1835 Alfred Tennyson paid his first visit to St.Bega which is probably the setting for the opening of of "Morte d'Arthur". 
Sir Bedevere carries King Arthur...
"...to a chapel nigh the field,
A broken chancel with a broken cross,
That stood on a dark strait of barren land,
On one side lay the Ocean. and on the one 
lay a great water. and the moon was full."

 For more information a booklet entitled "St. Bega and her church at Bassenthwaite" by John Spedding can be purchased at the Old Sawmill Tea Rooms, Mirehouse.

 Further enquities: Contact The Revd. Ian Wright (below), or see our website at www.stbega.org.uk Up to date service information can be found on our electronic notice board: www.bassenthwaite.eboard.com

 Bassenthwaite is part of the Binsey Team comprising the parishes of Allhallows, Bassenthwaite, Bolton, Ireby, Isel, Plumbland, Setmurthy, Torpenhow and Uldale.