[4] Roman occupation of the site is demonstrated by the Ninekirks Hoard of barbarous radiate coins.

[5] As a Christian site, the area was associated with St.Ninian from a very early date[6] but "not everyone is convinced entirely by the arguments of Canon Bouch and others for Ninian".

[7] There are caves nearby on the north bank of the Eamont at a site called Isis Parlis and possible evidence of occupation of these is used to support arguments in favour of early hermit use.

In 1659 the church was reconstructed by Lady Anne Clifford, the then owner of Brougham Castle,[8] the work being completed the following year.

His publications in the Transactions of the Cumberland and Westmorland Antiquarian and Archaeological Society (in 1947,[12] 1950[2] and 1955 (twice)[13][14]) demonstrate his interest.