The small church of St Oswald’s church is set below the road with views overlooking the valley. It is a simple building with nave, chancel and small bell tower above the nave. Much of the building is Norman, replacing an earlier wooden church. The chancel was rebuilt in the 19thC, when the church was restored.
The Blocked Norman doorway in the north wall has pillars with carved capitals and two round arches. In the south porch are pieces of carved masonry including one with a carved scroll. In another, the Virgin is holding the bay Jesus. On the wall above is a modern interpretation.
The doorway set in a flat arch has rather nice carvings on either side at the top.
The back of the nave has a very tall central arch into the tower with smaller arches on either side. We could see the clock pendulum and here it ticking.
It is a simple church with a plain octagonal font at the back. Pews are 19thC. It has a wood beam roof.
The chancel is more elaborate, reflecting the 19thC rebuild. The rood screen dates from then and has carved panels with arches at the base and gates into the chancel. Above is delicately carved tracery. The chancel roof is painted panels with IHS decoration and gold bosses. The walls are b panelled . The altar has a painting of Anges Dei in the centre with painted angels on either side. Above is a wooden reredos with with a painting of the crucifixion in the centre with the Virgin Mary, St John and saints on either side.
The Victorian stained glass window has Christ in Majesty at the top with Aidan, St Oswald and St Cuthbert below, the three major saints of the Anglo-Saxons.
Parking is along a busy road. The church is open daylight hours. It is a nice church, but nothing special.
