About Us

Saint Oswald's in the Parish of Thornton Steward is recorded in the Domesday Book and is the oldest church in Wensleydale, the site having been a place of Christian worship since the year 680 centuries before the Norman Conquest. Cross heads and ninth century stones can be seen at the church.  Scholars consider the site to be Anglo-Saxon with the existing building being mostly Norman on Saxon foundations. Built by Alan first Earl of Richmond nephew of William the Conqueror whose steward dwelt in the then village the church is a haven of peace and tranquility for all.