Hellvellyn's Views
Lake District & North East England Photography
St. John's In The Vale, Near Keswick, Cumbria.
It is believed that St. John's-In-The-Vale has existed since the thirteenth century, although the present church was not built until 1845. It is obvious from the stonework that some parts of the church appear older than others. Previously one of the five chapels of Crosthwaite, St. John's has been an Anglican Parish Church since 1865.
The church is accessible via a single-track road from the B5322, between the A66 and A591, although it is a very pleasant walk from either Keswick to the North-West or Threlkeld to the North. There is a large gate to pass through near the church which disabled drivers may find difficult. The church itself is small, humble and simple; far from the grandeur of urban Parish Churches. It is surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery in the Lake District and has an almost overwhelming atmosphere, akin to that felt at Castlerigg Stone Circle, just a short walk from the church.
"From outside, the chuch is not unlike many other small Lakeland country churches - simple and unassuming, tucked into the countryside as though it belonged there".
"Inside the building conveys a warm and homely atmosphere which is conducive to peace and prayer, without being inhibiting".
Information and quotes taken from The Parishes Of St. John's-In-The-Vale And Wythburn: Notes Of Interest To Visitors. Author: Geoffrey Darrall. Published in 1965. Revised 1987 & 2000.
St. Mary's Parish Church, Whitby, North Yorkshire
St. Mary's Parish Church stands above Whitby on the South bank of the River Esk on the East coast of North Yorkshire. Originally built in the 11th centuary as a place of worship for the staff and craftsmen serving the then new Whitby Abbey, it has been expanded and built upon over the years in order to meet the needs of the ever-growing Parish, particularly after the dissolution of Whitby Abbey under the orders of King Henry VIII. There had originally been a basic stone chuch on this site at the time of the original Whitby Abbey. Fortunately St. Mary's survived as it served the people of Whitby. The church is reached from the town of Whitby by 199 steps which appears to serve as a sort of pilgrimage of the townsfolk to worship there. The church also leads a seemingly lowly path to the now haunting remains of the once very grand Whitby Abbey.
The beginning of the 199 steps to St. Mary's Parish Church, Whitby & Whitby Abbey.
St. Mary's Parish Church, Whitby.
