'Bassenthwaite - St Bega's Church'

Location : Bassenthwaite / Keswick
Map - Ordnance Survey - NY 226287

Bassenthwaite Lake and St Bega's Church. Photo by Mike Faulkner

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.

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:

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.