Church of Saint Oswald

St Oswald’s Church stands in the small village of Askrigg, North Yorkshire. Built mainly in the 15th century, it is a stone church in the Perpendicular style, with a five-bay chancel and nave, aisles, a south porch and a tall western tower. The tower has pinnacles, a clock and six bells. Some earlier work remains inside, though most of the building reflects the 15th-century design. In the 19th century the church was restored after the nave piers had begun to fail. The roof was repaired and the western gallery removed to improve access to the tower. The church is worth visiting for its well-preserved architecture and recent conservation work. In 2025 the tower was restored using traditional lime render and historic techniques to protect it from damp and decay. The project won the King of Prussia Gold Medal in 2026 for high-quality church repair. The bells were recast in 1897 by John Warner & Sons and rehung in 1992. The clock in the tower dates from 1902 and was installed as the Coronation Clock. The Forster and Andrews organ of 1869 remains in use. Inside, visitors find a spacious nave with a 15th-century roof and a rebuilt north aisle. The tower now has a new staircase and a staircase giving access to the ringing chamber. The limewashed finish of the restored tower gives the exterior a light, historic appearance. The church shares its parish with three other churches in nearby villages. From Askrigg there are views of the surrounding countryside, adding to the quiet appeal of the visit.