St Oswald, Arncliffe

St Oswald, Arncliffe sits in a bend of the river Skirfare amongst sycamores and yews beneath the limestone crags of Littondale in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. It is a sanctuary of peace and prayer nestling in the glory of God's creation. The church community is happy and caring, looking to find the depths of hope to be found in following the way of Jesus Christ.. 

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Worship and Prayer

SUNDAY 
09.30am The Parish Service

The Friends of Arncliffe

Arncliffe Church is loved by many people throughout the world and serves as a place of spiritual nourishment. Becoming a friend of the church is a way of staying in contact; of being held within the cycle of prayer; receiving invitations to services and events and contributing to the vital upkeep and maintenance of the building for the generations to come.
Become a Friend

History

The chancel of the present church rests on Norman foundations, but the first church could have been Saxon. The tower is 15th century and holds three bells, the oldest of which dates from about 1350 and still strikes on the hour. The church has had two restorations in 1796 and 1841.

Charles Kingsley & John Robinson

Charles Kingsley (1819-1875) was inspired to write The Water Babies whilst on a visit to Arncliffe. Visiting the Hammond family at Bridge End House, the bridge over the River Skirfare served as inspiration. 
John Robinson (1919-1983), Bishop of Woolwich and author of the contentious Honest to God is buried in the churchyard - his family home was in Arncliffe.

Littondale