Location : Bassenthwaite / Keswick
Map - Ordnance Survey - NY 226287
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The present building dates from pre-Norman times, and stands by a busy stream in the grounds of Mirehouse by Bassenthwaite Lake.
The font is dated about 1300 and has an octagonal lead-lined bowl. The 14th century lead crucifix hanging over the pulpit is similar to one in St. Albans Cathedral. There is a wrought iron hourglass used to time sermons. Historical families of the area including the Speddings of Mirehouse are remembered in various tablets and windows.
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Lord Alfred Tennyson stayed at Mirehouse in 1835 while he was writing his poem 'Morte D'Arthur'
and St Bega's Church inspired the opening lines:
| '..to a chapel nigh the field, A broken chancel with a broken cross, That stood on a dark straight of barren land,'. |
A small distance along the shore you will find a simple open-air theatre erected by the Tennyson Society at the place where it is thought he composed much of the poem.
A booklet describing the history of the church can be obtained from the Dodd Wood Old Sawmill Tearoom.
For more information see www.stbega.org.uk.
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Aerial photo by Simon Ledingham.
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Page last changed 22 Nov 2006.