Photographs of Kirkoswald and Lazonby in the lower Eden Valley of Cumbria.
The College, Kirkoswald in the Eden Valley of Cumbria.
This fine house was originally built in 1450 as a defensive pele tower. It was converted into a college for priests in the 1520s, but just over twenty years later its use as a college ended due to the Dissolution of the Monasteries.
Not open to the public.
Kirkoswald Castle, Kirkoswald in the Eden Valley, Cumbria.
A fortification has stood on this site since the 12th century. It was destroyed by Robert the Bruce in 1314, and a year later came into the possession of Ranolfe de Dacre by abducting and marrying the heiress of the castle! His descendant, Thomas Dacre made extensive improvements but in the 1569 rebellion, the Dacres lost possession and the owners of Naworth Castle plundered the site in the 17th century.
A footpath passes close to the castle, but the castle is on private land.
St Oswald's church, Kirkoswald in the Eden Valley of Cumbria.
The village and former market town was named after the church. Parts of the building date back to the 12th century, but the structure is largely 13th. The porch was added in 1523 and although it has since been repaired, still contains the original wooden beams. The most unusual feature of St Oswald's Church is that its tower stands on the hill behind it. This enabled villagers to clearly hear the bells and its fine vantage point would have provided warning of Scottish invaders.
St Oswald's Well, Kirkoswald in the Eden Valley of Cumbria.
This holy well is situated on the west side of St Oswald's Church and is probably the reason that the church was built at this location.
St Oswald's Church Tower, Kirkoswald in the Eden Valley, Cumbria.
This is the tower of St Oswald's Church which is situated at the bottom of the hill. The tower was built on the hill because this elevated postion enabled villagers to clearly hear the bells and this fine vantage point would have provided warning of Scottish invaders.
The cobbled market square of Kirksowald in the Eden District of Cumbria.
Also in the photos is the war memorial and the Fetherston Arms.
Eden Bridge, Lazonby in the Eden Valley, Cumbria.
This fine red sandstone bridge spanning the River Eden was erected in 1762.
'Cypher Piece' an Eden Benchmark by Frances Pelly at Lazonby in the Eden Valley, Cumbria.
Eden Benchmarks are a series of ten carved stone sculptures situated beside public paths along the length of the River Eden which flows from Mallerstang to the sea at Rockcliffe, near Carlisle. The project, commissioned to mark the Millennium, involved ten different artists.
Eden Bridge can be seen in the distance.