St John's Church, Newton Arlosh

The lands to the north and south of the border between England and Scotland have historically suffered something of a tug of war between the two great nations. Invasions and raids were commonplace through the centuries.

St John's Church in Newton Arlosh is an interesting remnant of such a time, looking as much like a castle as a church. Crenelations line the top of the defensive pele tower, whilst the windows are nothing but arrow slits. Even the door into the church is remarkably narrow. This meant that newly married couples would have to leave in single file. The locals say that whoever emerges into the churchyard first, having tied the knot, is destined to be 'the boss'.

St. John's Church in Newton Arlosh, officially known as St. John the Evangelist's Church, is a rare example of a fortified church in Northwest England. It was built in 1303 by the monks of Holmcultram Abbey in response to the unsettled border situation with Scotland.
Built of red sandstone and cobblestones, it features a massive west tower with arrow slits and a vaulted ground floor. The tower has a narrow entrance, a stone spiral staircase, and a hearth room, possibly used as a waiting room or priest's quarters.
Newton Arlosh was founded after nearby Skinburness was destroyed by the sea; the monks built a new settlement and church there. After the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 16th century, the church fell into disrepair and remained a ruin for over 250 years. In 1844 and again in 1894, the building was repaired and extended, with the chancel being placed perpendicular to the nave. Today it is a working Anglican parish church within the Diocese of Carlisle.