As we were returning from Ullswater, we spotted a signpost to 'Historic 12th Century Church' and thought it was worth a look.
St Michael's chuch at Barton, near Pooley Bridge, was built around 1150 - very soon after the Norman conquest which only reached this corner of England in 1092 with the occupation of Carlisle by William II.
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| St Michael's and its unusual centre tower |
The unusual feature, unique in Cumbria, is the squat tower in the centre. Its immense weight is supported inside by two double arches which cut the church in two.
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| The double rounded chancel arch below the tower |
Outside, the graveyard is circular, suggesting a pre-Christian site.
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| The circular graveyard |
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| View from the graveyard, across the north Cumbria hills |
An unusual church, definitely worth the detour.
