Asby History Group

St Mary’s Church Outhgill

Earliest records of St Mary’s Church Outhgill are from the 16th Century although there has probably been a church on the site since the 14th century. It is simple Dales church, nestling comfortably in its surroundings. The small low building has a bell turret containing a 13th century bell. Above the porch is a stone recording the restoration of the church by Lady Anne Clifford, who owned the nearby Pendragon Castle.

Many of the workmen who built the Mallerstang section of the Settle-Carlisle railway (and their families who accompanied them), did not survive the hostile climate and insanitary work camps at Aisgill Huts and Birkett Huts. Twenty five men women and children are buried in unmarked graves in the churchyard.

Pendragon Castle

According to legend, the castle was built by Uther Pendragon, father of King Arthur, who is said to have unsuccessfully tried to divert the river to provide its moat, as is recalled in a well known local couplet:
Let Uther Pendragon do what he can,
Eden will run where Eden ran.

However, despite legend (and the discovery of a Roman coin) there is no evidence of any pre-Norman use of this site. The castle was built in the 12th century by Ranulph de Meschines, during the reign of King William Rufus. It has the remains of a Norman keep, with the later addition of a 14th-century garderobe turret, and some further additions in the 17th century.

One of its most notable owners was Sir Hugh de Morville, Lord of Westmorland – one of the four knights who murdered St Thomas Becket in 1170. A nearby high-point on Mallerstang Edge is named after him, as Hugh Seat. Another owner was Lady Idonea de Veteripont who, after the death of her husband (Roger de Lilburn), spent much of her remaining years living in the castle, until her death in 1334. Lady Idonea founded the church of St Mary in the nearby hamlet of Outhgill.

If you intend to come along on the visit then please meet at the bus shelter at 1.45 to share transport.