Warton Village, St Oswald's Church and the Old Rectory

The church was built in the early 14thC and was dedicated to St Oswald, the second Christian King of Northumbria. In the mid 13thC a branch of the Washington family from County Durham came to live in the Warton area. The Washington family’s Coat of Arms, now located inside the church tower, is said to have inspired the design of the flag of the United States of America. The first President of the USA was George Washington, a descendent of the Washington family of Warton. The tower of the church was built by Robert Washington in the 15thC and on the 4th July, Independence Day, each year, the 'Stars and Stripes' flag is flown.

The Old Rectory, off Main Street, Warton. The Old Rectory was built in the early 14thC and was the home of the de Thweng family who were patrons of the church. Courts of Justice were held here until they moved to the Shovel Inn, following the decline of the Old Rectory. The remains include impressive gable walls, windows and a huge stone fireplace. Access is available at most times. The Old Rectory is a Grade I Listed building and a Scheduled Ancient Monument.