Our Churches

The places of worship in Penhill Benefice range from the 13th century church at Wensley described as one of the most beautiful and interesting in Yorkshire, to the small traditional barn which serves Thornton Rust as a Mission Room. (left: medieval art at Wensley church)

The Anglo-Saxon cross at West Witton church is indicative of the long history of Christianity in Wensleydale. That church was rebuilt in in 1875 but, in additiona to that at Wensley, there are others which still retain their medieval orgins – at Castle Bolton and Redmire. Interior decoration ranges from the 20th century mural at Preston under Scar to the superb work of the medieval craftsmen who created the Jervaulx Screen at Aysgarth church.

Do come and enjoy them and the beautiful countryside in which they are situated.

Our church buildings are usually open:

Preston under Scar and Wensley -  Daily
Aysgarth -  daily 
Castle Bolton -  daily
Redmire - Daily
West Witton - daily 

We have now returned to having services at our churches on a regular basis.
Phone based services will continue.

Services and Easter events in April

Phone services - dial 0333 0110 946 and enter room number 61337190# and PIN 7450# (There could be a charge)

Services in May

Sunday May 22nd
9.30am Telephone Service
9.30am Holy Communion, St. Bartholomew’s, West Witton
11am Morning Prayer & baptisms of Jack and Lucy Bussey, St. Andrew’s, Aysgarth
6pm Evening Prayer, Thornton Rust Mission Room

Thursday May 26th - Ascension Day
7pm Ecumenical Holy Communion Service at Jervaulx Abbey (East Witton Church if wet weather). Area Dean, Wensley, Revd Penny Yeadon to preside. Superintendent Minister, North Dales Methodist Circuit, Revd Melanie Reed preaching. With Bedale Band. Please bring your own seat. The collection from this service will go to Christian Aid.

Sunday May 29th
9.30am Telephone Service
9.30am United Benefice Services: Book of Common Prayer,
Holy Communion, St. Andrew’s, Aysarth
4pm Messy Church, St. Andrew’s, Aysgarth

May Mid-Week Services: Thursday 26th at 9.30am
Holy Communion, St. Bartholomew’s, West Witton