St Andrew
Kirkandrews on Esk, Cumbria
The tranquility of St Andrew's church, set on the banks of the river Esk, belies the turbulence of its past.
The current church dates from 1609 and is designed in perpendicular style with battlemented parapets. It was built through national subscription on the order of James VI and I and, allegedly, due to a plea by Archie Armstrong, his court jester, who came from this area. The grave of Archie is in the churchyard. Arthuret has a large churchyard comprising an old section on the South side and a relatively new area on the North side.
The church tower stones are unusual in that many of them have masons marks which are clearly visible.
A holy well is located on the edge of the mound. It is a well built structure, with stone canopy and steps. It was still used for baptisms until the 1970s.
