English Heritage sites near Skelton Parish
PENRITH CASTLE
7 miles from Skelton Parish
Penrith Castle was begun at the end of the 14th century by Ralph Neville, who played a key role in defending this area against the Scots.
MAYBURGH HENGE
8 miles from Skelton Parish
A large and impressive Neolithic henge, much better preserved than neighbouring King Arthur's Round Table.
KING ARTHUR'S ROUND TABLE
9 miles from Skelton Parish
A Neolithic earthwork henge, dating from c. 2000 BC, but much later believed to be King Arthur's jousting arena. Mayburgh Henge is adjacent.
BROUGHAM CASTLE
9 miles from Skelton Parish
In a picturesque setting beside the crossing of the River Eamont, Brougham Castle was founded in the early 13th century.
COUNTESS PILLAR, BROUGHAM
9 miles from Skelton Parish
A monument erected in 1656 by Lady Anne Clifford of nearby Brougham Castle, to commemorate her final parting here from her mother.
CLIFTON HALL
10 miles from Skelton Parish
This 15th-century tower, sole surviving part of the manor house of the Wybergh family, was plundered by Jacobites in 1745 before the Battle of Clifton Moor, the last battle fought on English soil.
Churches in Skelton Parish
St Michael
Welcome to St Michael's Church Skelton
The present day church is probably on the site of a 13th century building only the tower of which survives. The church is on the eastern fringe of the modern village probably built on an ancient clearing in the Inglewood Forest which was a pre Christian site Christianized in Saxon times as shown by its circular churchyard and dedication. The dedication to St Michael, the captain of the heavenly host, was popular in the Middle Ages where Christianity supplanted pagan gods.
The only visit of royalty to Skelton was by King Edward first in 1299 on a trip north to subdue the Scots he stopped off to hear Mass read and left seven silver shillings in the collection.
The nave of the present church was rebuilt in 1794 and the tower was repaired and updated at the same time. It is built of sandstone with a slate roof. Inside a wide nave and chancel arch and narrow rounded arched windows. More work was done in 1879 when large pine beams were inserted to hold up the roof and ceiling.
The tower was converted into the Baptistry in 1898 when a lean to porch was added and the previous entrance became the west window. Restoration of the chancel continued in 1900 when the vestry was added and the east window was installed with scenes from the Revelation of St John the Divine made by Wailes and Strang. There is another window of the Good Shepherd by the same firm in the south aisle and one next to it depicting St Michael and the dragon by Charles Kempe.
We welcome visitors to any of our services and events just check out the calendar and come along to one of them we would love to meet you.
The church is open daily for private prayer 10am to 3pm longer in summer
Pubs in Skelton Parish
Crown Inn
A friendly welcome is assured at this rural roadside pub situated on a crossroads. The original part of the pub has a cosy feel with a real fire and has been extended to provide a restaurant of excellent quality.
Dog & Gun Inn
Comfortable gastropub in centre of village. Its traditional black & white frontage mirrors its delightful welcoming interior. However, drinking without food is only allowed outside. Dating back nearly 300 years, it was originally called the...