You don’t necessarily expect to find Viking mythology in a quiet Cumbrian churchyard, but tucked beside St Mary’s Church in Gosforth is something rather extraordinary.

Standing at over four metres tall, the Gosforth Cross is one of the most remarkable surviving examples of Viking-age stone carving in England. Dating back to the early 10th century, this impressive red sandstone cross is covered in intricate carvings, and if you take a closer look, you’ll discover that it’s telling some rather unusual stories.

What makes it particularly fascinating is the combination of Christian imagery and Norse mythology. Amongst the carvings are scenes believed to depict stories from the Viking legends, including the god Loki bound by a snake and the god Vidar fighting the wolf Fenrir. Elsewhere, you’ll find a depiction of the crucifixion of Christ.

It’s quite something when you think about it. These carvings were created at a time when Christianity and older Norse beliefs were coming into contact, and the cross seems to bring the two worlds together in a rather remarkable way.

But the cross isn’t the only thing worth looking out for.

Inside St Mary’s Church, you’ll also find two Viking-era hogback stones. These unusual carved tombstones were designed to resemble houses, complete with curved roofs and animal decorations. They’re thought to have been used as grave markers, and offer another little glimpse into the Scandinavian influence on this part of Cumbria.

It’s easy to see why Gosforth is such an important place for anyone interested in Viking history. And yet, it’s one of those discoveries that you could quite easily miss if you didn’t know what you were looking at.

So next time you’re exploring the western side of the Lake District, make a little detour to Gosforth. Have a wander around the churchyard, take a closer look at the carvings and see if you can spot some of the stories hidden in the stone.

Not bad for a quiet little churchyard!