Saint Andrews church - Penrith

There has been a church here since 1133. The present one was built in 1720. The tower is the original 13th Century church and is a Pele Tower (fortified tower in times of raids from across the border) In the graveyard is the 'Giants Thumb', a Norse Cross dating from 920 AD and erected as a memorial to his father by Owen Caesarius - King Of Cumbria (920 -937AD) There is a belief that the 'Giants Grave' is that of Owen himself. There are four hogsback stones surrounding the grave and are believed to represent the four wild boar he killed in nearby Inglewood Forest.

It is a very pleasant place to be, tucked away in the town centre just behind Barclays Bank it is surrounded by walkways and small shops, cafes and businesses. There are plenty of places to sit and at this time of year when the trees are beginning to bud and the daffs are appearing it is full of new life. Also in summer it is a very shady peaceful place to be. That is how a churchyard should be.

There is a 'personal ghostly experience' I have to relate about Saint Andrews - but that is for another time.