St. Oswald's Church-Grasmere

St. Oswald's church is located in Grasmere and is an active Anglican parish Church. It is dedicated to the Saint Oswald and many claim he preached there as well. It was originally built in the 14th century but the present church is the fourth one to stand there. Inside the church, you can see many remnants of the previous buildings including a stone head. The only remains of the church during the 14th century are the tower, porch, and south wall. The tower was built from unhewn boulders and the clock is there to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1897.  It is most famously known for being the churchyard where William Wordsworth and many of his family are buried. One of the most interesting things about is the raised roof made of timber. There are two aisles that make up the church’s nave, north and south. Originally the north aisle wasn’t part of the original church and was a separate building until money was put to connect the two buildings by a third roof. This intricate third roof is mentioned by Wordsworth in his poem “The Excursion”. In the nave, there are a couple of stain glass windows that are in memory of the Olivier family and the story of the Presentation respectively both post reformation. St. Oswald’s church is known for its Rushbearing Festival which dates back to the time when the church’s earth floor was filled with rushes. I am fascinated with this church because of how beautiful it is but also how unique the inside of all the cathedrals and other church’s we have visited. This semester I have seen so many beautiful buildings that are very elaborate with skills, jewels, carvings, and uniquely crafted stone. On my visit, this church had a simpleness to it that was comforting. I was amazed by the third roof when I walked in and I wasn’t expecting to see all the connecting timber. You could tell that St. Oswald’s is a well-loved church and I spend a great deal of time here. St. Oswald’s is right by the river so many sit here and ponder. I pondered how I occupied a space that had a great deal of history and contained the burial place of one of the most recognized literary authors.  Unique in its own right and continuing to inspire those who visit from across the globe.

Coordinates

Latitude: 54.457438600000
Longitude: -3.023696300000