Kirkoswald: Bell Tower, The College and Castle Ruins

Explore Kirkoswald through its many historic landmarks: St Oswald's Church and its detached bell tower, The College, and the castle ruins with their fortifications. The cobbled village square and views of the surrounding countryside also shape the character of the place. The buildings represent different periods and uses—from a rectory and college to a medieval defensive structure.

Church, Bell Tower and The College

The detached bell tower stands northeast of St Oswald's Church. Its core dates from 1743; it was rebuilt in 1893. It is the only detached church bell tower in northern Cumbria. Its distinctive design clearly sets it apart from a tower that is an integral part of a church building.

The College is a tower house dating from the late 15th century. The building originally served as the rectory of Kirkoswald Church; around 1523, it was converted into a college for vicars. These two uses mark a historical sequence: the rectory was followed by its use as a college. This makes The College a different way to explore the village’s history from the bell tower, which was rebuilt in the 19th century.

Castle Ruins and Moat Complex

Kirkoswald Castle is a ruin dating from the late 15th century. The remains of three towers and part of the hall survive. The moat surrounding it dates from the early 16th century and is completely intact. The scheduled area also includes the island formed by the moat, a stone bridge and an outer earthwork bank. The site therefore encompasses several elements of the fortifications as well as the ruins.

The castle had military significance earlier: its location near the Scottish border made it a first line of defence against invading Scottish armies in the late 13th and early 14th centuries. This role predates the castle ruins from the late 15th century and the moat from the early 16th century. The different dates therefore represent distinct periods in the history of the structure.

Another medieval moat complex lies west of St Oswald's Church, immediately next to the church and east of the River Eden. It comprises a central enclosure surrounded by double ditches and is interpreted as a predecessor of Kirkoswald Castle. Its location and layout distinguish it from the intact moat surrounding Kirkoswald Castle.

Village Square, Paths and Countryside

At the centre of the village, Kirkoswald opens out into a small cobbled market square. It is home to an 18th-century village lock-up and a war memorial. The square thus connects the village’s character with tangible historical landmarks from different periods.

The public footpath to Glassonby passes through peaceful countryside and offers wide-ranging views of the Pennines and the village of Lazonby. The B6413 also offers views of the countryside: it runs through Kirkoswald, crosses the low-lying floodplain of the River Eden and provides wide views of the surrounding area. The vistas differ: from the footpath, the views extend to the Pennines and Lazonby; from the road, they take in the surrounding countryside.

The stone-paved Priest's Walk remains an access route to St Oswald's Church. The surface can be slippery, so take care when walking. The church has seasonal opening hours: St Oswald's Church is open from Easter to October, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., on a rota organised by volunteers. Opening hours and the rota may change, so check whether the church is open before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Burneside, Spark Bridge, Eskdale, Dufton, Little Langdale, Cotehill, Hawkshead, Embleton.

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