St Edmund’s Church, Newbiggin

Submitted by Alan Marsden on Fri, 24/04/2026 - 00:00

St Edmund’s Church at Newbiggin in Westmorland I found rather peculiar. Although the usual mixture of medieval and Victorian meddling, it was interesting with much to occupy me. It had a peculiar, stand along belfry and sat in the shadow of the neighbouring manor house. Although well cared for, the grounds were somewhat overgrown (not something I particular object to on the basis of both beauty and wildlife). I beheld two sundials in the vicinity, one rather old and built onto a buttress, the other a rather elegant eighteenth-century-looking affair.

The leafy trees and general verdancy of the place probably made sunlight something of a luxury, with neither dials serving much purpose. Even the base of an old preaching cross was covered in green moss, so shaded was the ground and damp the air. Even the pulpit, within, required its own lamp (in the style, appropriately, of a torch).

I am fond of trees; I welcome their growth and would love to multiply their numbers. Yet sunlight is also important. The scriptures speak of God as the source of light and His word as a lamp or torch as we navigate this dark world. If things, even lovely things, good things, wholesome things, get in the way of your walk with God, dimming His light and casting shadows on His truth, then it is time to cut them back.