The present church is from about 1400 but there is ample evidence of an earlier 12th century Norman church. The outward appearance is perpendicular but inside is something unique to English parish churches. Described by Nicholas Pevsner as ‘one of the architectural sensations of Cumberland'.
For more information visit on this building visit www.explorechurches.org/church/all-saints-boltongate
12th century Norman church, built with stones from Hadrian's Wall and the Roman fort of Aballava and situated alongside the Hadrian's wall Path and cycleway. King Edward I (Longshanks) died nearby and lay in State in the church for ten days in 1307. One of only three fortified churches in Cumbria, with visible architectural features from the turbulent past of this border area.
Bowness parish church, dedicated to St Michael, has a long and interesting history. The first Rector recorded was in 1265, though it is thought there must have been a church on the present site for around 900 years, as the font dates back to Norman times. Sited in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, adjacent to the hidden gem of the Solway Firth, St Michael's Church offers the visitor a peaceful space for reflection, together with many points of historical interest.
Situated prominently in the heart of the village, in an area of outstanding natural beauty. St Mary's is the only church actually on the course of Hadrian's Wall. Originally constructed in the late 13th century using stone from Hadrian's wall it is built on the top of a Norman 'Motte and Bailey' and on the site of a Roman milecastle.
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