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SPIRIT IN STONE Explore more than 120 historic churches in the North East of

www.spiritinstone.info Contents Berwick-upon-Tweed The Great Story unfolds... North: North & Mid Area 4 The churches of North East Central: Newcastle, Tyneside Kelso Belford England make our region very & Area 10 special. Each one has a unique past and present, but together they tell West: West Northumberland North an amazing story, to inspire you & North Pennines Area 16 whether you follow a faith or not. South: Durham & Tees Area 22 It’s the story of the Christian faith in , which created such world-renowned Using This Guide Morpeth architecture as , Abbey and St Paul’s Church in Jarrow. Starting You can search for churches by area Cramlington West Blyth with the “Golden Age of ” in the 7th (see maps) or in the index (page 30). century, the story records human achievement Postcodes are included to help identify Hexham South Shields and struggles down the centuries. Fabulous exact locations. Central craftsmanship and industrial innovation are also We want you to enjoy our churches Sunderland celebrated and remembered in regional churches Chester-le-Street safely. Please be aware that there may large and small. be uneven steps, stone floors and dimly Durham lit interiors. So read on to discover why the North East is Hartlepool quite simply one of the best places to trace the As churches are living places of worship South development of Christian heritage in this country. for their local communities, opening Explore how our local stories have contributed times may occasionally be affected by Middlesborough special events. Times when churches to national and international life. And along the are open for worship and church or way you will also find that our churches are not community activities are generally simply about the past, but continue to make a not listed, although you will be made real contribution to local and national life. welcome to any of these. Key to symbols in guide From majestic cathedrals to smaller churches Church descriptions are brief, but fuller and chapels, today’s churches serve their descriptions, articles and details of other Churchyard communities and visitors in many different ways. churches worth exploring will be found Toilet Some offer a café, bookshop or guided tours; on our website. others offer the simplest of experiences. Some Accessible toilet www.spiritinstone.info stand amidst stunning natural beauty; others are Ramp There is no charge for this guide and the found on busy city streets. In some churches you Fully accessible for wheelchair users churches are free to enter. However a can explore by yourself; in others you will meet volunteers to help you. And if you’re looking for donation towards their upkeep will Partially accessible for wheelchair users peace and tranquillity, all the places in this guide always be greatly appreciated. Café will provide an oasis of calm and an opportunity Public transport nearby to become once again a human be-ing instead of Opening times a human do-ing. Guided tours We look forward to sharing our story with you! Keyholder

Front cover picture: St Michael & All Angels, Witton Gilbert, back cover picture: St Michaels, Alnwick.

2 www.spiritinstone.info www.spiritinstone.info 3 North & Mid Northumberland

1 Berwick Holy Trinity & St Mary 4 Branxton St Paul 1 The Parade, Berwick upon Tweed TD15 1EE Branxton, Northumberland TD12 4SW Berwick-upon-Tweed Founded in 1650 www.carhamparish.org.uk and set within the Ancient sacred space and 2 historic Elizabethan historically important church Ancroft walls of Berwick, set in the heart of the Flodden Norham 8 Holy Island in England’s most Battlefield, where in 1513 the 10 northerly parish. biggest Scots army ever to invade England was defeated. A Priory Etal The only church to have been built in such a 3 daylight hours 01890 820756 6 9 Lowick distinctive style during the commonwealth 4 7 of Oliver Cromwell. Bamburgh 5 Kirknewton St Gregory Kelso 5 Belford 11 9am-5pm bus & train Kirknewton, Northumberland NE71 6XF Kirknewton www.wooler.org.uk/community 2 Norham St Cuthbert ‘More to this church than meets the eye’ (Pevsner). Its Wooler Church Lane, Norham, Northd TD15 2LF treasures include a famous 12 A1 www.norhamdeanery.co.uk medieval sculpture and Large, stone-built modern art work dedicated 13 parish church to social reformer Josephine dating from 12th Butler, whose grave is in the 14 century with churchyard. Ingram Eglingham historic links to at all times & nearby bus 15 Robert the Bruce Alnwick 18 and Edward I. A697 Alnmouth Its huge churchyard contains the grave of 6 Etal St Mary the Virgin Netherton Corporal Laidlaw, the ‘Piper of Loos’, and Etal Village, Northd TD12 4TL 16 19 possibly the remains of St Ceowulf. Built by Lady Augusta 17 21 22 Amble daylight hours bus FitzClarence as a private chapel Longframlington and burial place for her husband Lord Frederick. Set in 20 3 Carham St Cuthbert the grounds of Etal Manor. Rochester Carham, Northumberland TD12 4RW at all times 01289 388229 www.carhamparish.org.uk Stunning 7 Ford St Michael & All Angels setting on Newbiggin-by-the-Sea banks of Ford Village, Northumberland TD15 2PX Ashington 23 Tweed. A Original 13th century building restored and enlarged 24 Morpeth lovely sacred by renowned 19th century 25 space, reputed architect . to be the Overlooks the Cheviot. site of a cell Closely associated with Belsay Cramlington established by the monastery on Lindisfarne, nearby and its North: North & Mid possibly by Cuthbert. owners, including Louisa, Marchioness of Waterford. Northumberland Area daylight hours daylight hours 01289 388229

4 www.spiritinstone.info www.spiritinstone.info 5 Acomb 8 Ancroft St Anne 10 Holy Island St Mary the Virgin 12 Chillingham St Peter The Lindisfarne Gospels Ancroft, Northumberland TD15 2TE Holy Island, Northumberland TD15 2RX Chillingham, Northumberland NE66 5NG Dating back to 11th www.stmarysholyisland.org.uk www.wooler.org.uk/community century. Features include Oldest building on Holy Island, 12th century building with 14th century and 16th a medieval pele tower and going back to the time of Saints century additions, restored in 1828. A highlight ne of the world’s greatest books, interesting churchyard. Aidan and Cuthbert. A place of the building is the Othe Lindisfarne Gospels has a Follow the trail quiz and of prayer and pilgrimage, with sumptuous tomb of Sir unique place in the culture and climb to the top of the beautiful art work. Ralph Grey and his wife. Christian heritage of England. The tower to see the sea. 7am-dusk or end of evening prayers Close to Chillingham cultural masterpiece was produced - nearby bus Castle. around the late 7th/early 8th century by 9am 9pm bus 01289 389216 & catering 01289 388618 10am-4pm monks of Lindisfarne Priory in honour of St Cuthbert (634-687AD). It contains the Gospels 11 Bamburgh St Aidan of the four Evangelists, Matthew, Mark, Luke 13 Old Bewick Holy Trinity and John, recording the life and teachings of 9 Lowick St John the Baptist Radcliffe Road, Bamburgh NE69 7AB Jesus Christ, therefore representing the core of Lowick, Northumberland TD15 2UD www.staidan-bamburgh.co.uk Old Bewick, Northumberland NE66 4DZ Christian belief. Originally a medieval chapel, now Original church founded 635 Ancient and secluded country The Lindisfarne Gospels is normally kept a large, complete Victorian Church by St Aidan. Current building in the care of the British Library in London. with an impressive hammer- beam dates from 12th century. church in tranquil surroundings. Restored in the 14th century High quality facsimile copies can be viewed wooden roof and links to the Sitwell Treasures include a shrine marking the site of at Lindisfarne Heritage Centre, Woodhorn after damage by the Scots and family. Described by visitors as Aidan’s death, a squint, a fine reredos and a Museum in Northumberland, and at St Mary & again in 17th century. ‘impressive’, ‘lovely’ and ‘peaceful’. memorial to Victorian heroine Grace Darling. St Cuthbert’s parish church, Chester-le-Street. 8.30am-7pm at all times bus, train 8.30am-dusk bus 01668 214748

16 Biddlestone RC Chapel A 14 Eglingham St Maurice Biddlestone Villas, near Netherton, Eglingham Village, Northumberland NE65 7DT Northumberland NE66 2TX www.hct.org.uk/chapels A beautiful village church with Once the private chapel of the Catholic Selby a large churchyard. Relatives family, built on the site of a pele tower adjoining Spiritual home of the of Admiral Collingwood, Biddlestone Hall (now demolished). Furnished in Nelson’s second-in-command mid-Victorian Gothic revival style. Lindisfarne Gospels at the Battle of Trafalgar, are A Historic Chapels Trust property buried here. For more information call 01665 574420 or visit website 8.30am-7pm 17 Rothbury All Saints 15 Ingram St Michael & All Angels Church St, Rothbury, Northumberland NE65 7UY Ingram, Northumberland NE66 4LT www.coquetdaleanglican.org Beautiful old church set Ancient and interesting in a large churchyard, church, called by some the sympathetically restored ‘Coquetdale Cathedral’. A peaceful sanctuary, full LINDISFARNE PRIORY in the late 19th century. An ideal place for quiet of historical information. meditation. Stained glass windows depicting our Northern Saints and heritage. For more information call: 01289 389200 www.english-heritage.org.uk 8.30am-7pm 9am-6pm bus 01669 620432

6 www.spiritinstone.info www.spiritinstone.info 7 18 Alnwick St Michael 21 Longframlington St Mary the Virgin Terms used in this guide Bailiffgate, Alnwick NE66 1LY Rothbury Road, Longframlington, Northumberland www.alnwickanglican.com NE65 8DA hurches are traditionally built on an east west axis. There are many variations in their shape An architectural gem, this Dates from the Cand layout but most contain the features shown in the plan. historic, Grade 1 listed, late 12th century, Crypt Burial chamber beneath the main floor parish church of the Dukes carefully restored Choir of a church. of Northumberland is in 19th century. stalls Pulpit Reredos spacious and tranquil. Still has fine Effigy Likeness or an image of a person carved Remarkable stained Norman chancel in stone or wood. glass windows, a arch. Since 1891 Font Basin, usually stone, holding the water commemoration of Harry Hotspur and medieval part of a parish used in Baptism. grave slabs. that includes Squint Small window in an outside wall, used nearby Brinkburn Priory. May-Oct Daily 1pm-4pm bus Nave Chancel to give a view of the service being conducted at Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm bus the altar. Often used by leprosy sufferers who were prevented from having any contact with 19 Warkworth St Lawrence their community. Warkworth, Northumberland NE65 0UR 22 Brinkburn Priory Misericord Ledge under hinged seat in the choir www.stlawrence-church.org.uk Longframlington, Northumberland NE65 8AR stalls, giving support when standing during Altar Site of worship www.english-heritage.org.uk/brinkburn Rood lengthy services. Often elaborately carved. screen since 737. Beautiful 12th Pews Wooden benches set in rows for use by Present church century church worshippers. dates from 1130. of an Augustinian Anchorage Room attached to a church where Pulpit Raised platform used by a preacher or Links to 1715 priory, completely an anchorite or anchoress (religious hermit) worship leader. Jacobite rebellion, roofed and was voluntarily walled in, living entirely alone. Reredos Decorated screen erected behind an the Dukes of restored. Chapel of Ease Chapel built on the outskirts of altar. Northumberland and (featured Picturesquely set a large parish so that parishioners could worship in Shakespeare’s Henry IV Part 2). by a bend in the more locally. Rood Screen Screen of wood or stone which either supports the Rood (cross or crucifix) or is 9am-5pm, or later in summer bus River Coquet and reached by a scenic walk. Cross-slabs /grave slabs Carved stones An English Heritage property. Charges apply. positioned directly beneath it and separates the 01665 713439 formerly used to cover graves. For information call 01665 570628 or visit website. bus chancel from the nave.

20 Felton St Michael & All Angels 23 Morpeth St James the Great Church Hill, Felton, Northumberland NE65 9HP 24 Morpeth St Mary 25 Mitford St Mary Magdalene Set in village conservation area, Grade 1 listed Newgate Street, Morpeth NE61 1BQ St Mary’s Field, Morpeth NE61 2QT Mitford, Northumberland NE61 3PZ church dating www.parishofmorpeth.org.uk www.parishofmorpeth.org.uk www.mitfordchurch.org from the 12th 19th century church, Ancient parish church, over 700 years old, set in Opposite the remains of Mitford castle, the church century with neo-Norman in style a peaceful churchyard where dates from 1135. Historic features include a leper historical links with all furnishings suffragette Emily Davison squint and one of the oldest bells in the country. to Brinkburn contemporary with is buried. Glorious medieval June-Aug: Tue & Thu, 2pm-4pm. Priory. Tranquil the building. A fine glass including Tree of Jesse Details at the church. 01670 511810 churchyard example of 19th window renewed by William provides a place century workmanship. Wailes. to pause, reflect 10am-4pm (Fri 11am July-Sept, Sat 10am-4pm and feel refreshed. - 4pm) bus 10am-4pm bus bus 01670 503326 01670 503326

8 www.spiritinstone.info www.spiritinstone.info 9 Newcastle, Tyneside & Sunderland Morpeth

26 St Mary 29 Cullercoats St George A189 North Rd, Ponteland, Northumberland NE20 9NU Beverley Gdns, Cullercoats, North Shields NE30 4PQ www.pontelandstmary.co.uk www.cullercoatsparish.org.uk Blyth Norman church in centre Designed by renowned A1 of village with interesting Victorian architect John memorials. A place of peace Loughborough Pearson, and quiet - the churchyard Grade 1 listed, and known Cramlington is beautiful when the spring as the ‘Cathedral at the 27 bulbs are out. coast’. Spectacular Gothic 26 8.30am-5pm Sun 7.30am- architecture, a high spire 28 Ponteland 7.30pm. bus and windows by Kempe and 29 Evetts. 30 North Shields Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 7.30am-730pm Newcastle upon 27 Delaval Our Lady in church hall Metro, bus 0191 2912095 Tyne A69 31 Jarrow The Avenue, Seaton Sluice, NE26 4QR 33 32 B Bede’s World 48 www.delavalparish.org.uk 34 37 47 30 Tynemouth Priory 35 36 Small, serene, historic church, Grade 1 listed, 41 39 40 Gateshead Pier Road, Tynemouth NE30 4BZ 38 more than 900 years Ryton 43 old and still in use www.english-heritage.org.uk/tynemouth 44 49 Whickham regularly. Contains Ruins of an Anglican 42 45 50 two superb Norman monastery and beautiful 46 51 arches. and tranquil 13th century Rowlands Gill A1 May-Sept: Fri & Bank chapel, dominating the coastal 52 holidays 11am-4.40pm, Sun headland at the mouth of the Washington 53 Sunderland 1-4.30pm or by appointment 0191 2371634 bus , with a 2000 year history and beautiful views. A19 An English Heritage property. Charges Central: Newcastle, Tyneside 28 Earsdon St Alban apply. For information call 0191 2571090 or visit website. and Sunderland Area Front Street, Earsdon, Whitley Bay NE25 9JX Metro, bus www.stalbansearsdon.org.uk 31 Gosforth St Nicholas 32 JesmondHoughton St George First church here built Faith, Hope and Charity le Spring in 12th century by Church Road, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 1BJ Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 2TF monks from Tynemouth f you want to get a real www.gosforthparishchurch.org.uk www.stgeorgesjesmond.org.uk flavour of any community, whose ‘mother’ house I Beautiful church, over 200 years Grade 1 listed 19th visit its churches! Our was in St Albans. old on a site dating back to century church, ‘one of the churches have always Present church opened Saxon times. Fine stained glass by outstanding ecclesiastical recalled and celebrated in 1837. Memorial in Kempe, Wailes and Swaine Bourne. buildings in the north of the contribution of local graveyard to the 204 Reredos woodwork by Ralph England’. Built with onyx, people - great and good, pious and charitable, men and boys killed in Hedley. Brandling Vault in the marble, jasper and oak. Art rich or poor. Discover our region’s local the Hartley Pit Disaster churchyard. Nouveau mosaics. of 1862. heroes, industrial pioneers and famous social reformers – to find out who and where, go to Fri, Sat all day; in school term: Mon-Wed Mon-Fri & Sun 9.30am-12.30pm Details on church noticeboard. our website. www.spiritinstone.info 7.30am-5.30pm, Thu 9am-5.30pm Metro, bus bus, Metro 0191 281 1326 0191 2811659

10 www.spiritinstone.info www.spiritinstone.info 11 40 Newcastle Cathedral Church 33 Fenham St James & St Basil 36 Newcastle Brunswick 37 Newcastle St Andrew RC Fenham, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 9EJ Methodist Church Worswick Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 6UW of St Nicholas Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 9PF www.jamesbasilfenham.org.uk Brunswick Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7BJ www.st-andrews-worswick.org.uk www.stnicholascathedral.co.uk Beautiful Arts and www.brunswickmethodist.org.uk Historic Roman Catholic church sited on Medieval city centre church Crafts church opened in Vibrant city centre Worswick Street in the building with a spectacular 1931. Building funded church serving heart of Newcastle. lantern tower. Its fascinating by shipbuilder Sir James diverse communities. Fine example of collection of monuments Knott in memory of his Fine example mid-Victorian Roman includes works by Leonard sons who died in WW1. of early 19th Catholic church Evetts, Ralph Hedley and Contains a rare Celestial century Wesleyan architecture with a high E. H. Bailey. organ and windows by architecture, built in wooden ceiling and stone walls. 9.30am-5.30pm (4pm Sat & Bank Edward Woore. 1820 as the mother 9am-4pm Metro, bus, train holidays) Metro, bus, Mon-Sat 8.30am-5pm, church of Methodism in the region. train & catering 0191 2321939 Sun 7.30am -1pm 8.30am-4pm Mon-Sat nearby Metro, bus bus 38 Newcastle St Mary’s Catholic 0191 2475078 Cathedral Art in Churches 41 Ryton Holy Cross Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 5HH Ryton Village NE40 3QP iscover the wealth of art in churches! www.stmaryscathedral.org.uk 34 Benwell St James www.holycrossryton.org.uk DStained glass is a delightful art form with One of the finest works Secluded gem dating from Benwell Lane, Newcastle upon Tyne NE15 6RR a very long history. St Peter’s monastery at of Victorian architect 1220 with impressive www.stjameschurchnewcastle.wordpress.com contains the first stained Pugin (designer of the glass in England, produced in the 7th century, ‘broach’ spire and leafy Opened in 1833, designed by John Dobson. Houses of Parliament) by glaziers from Gaul. It’s also a modern art churchyard, entered via Interior has work by with impressive tile- form: Durham Cathedral’s Transfiguration Ryton’s picturesque village Ralph Hedley, William work and stained glass Window and ’s Tyrrell Window green. Many features of Wailes and Eric Gill. windows, including the are wonderful 21st century examples, and interest include a Kempe window and Frosterley Burial place of many new Tyneside Industrial many more are found in churches around marble medieval effigy. significant Victorians Heritage window. Cardinal the region. including Richard Hume Memorial Garden Apr, May, June, Sept: Thurs10.30am-4.30pm; Jul, Aug: Sun Grainger. Other artistic gems in its grounds. 12noon-6pm bus 0191 4134592 include everything Tue 2-4pm bus 0191 2735356 Mon-Fri 8am-4.30pm, Sat 9am-4.30pm, Sun 8am-1pm, from medieval stone 5.30-7.30pm Metro, bus, train carvings of the Magi 42 Whickham St Mary the Virgin at Kirknewton to Arts Church Chare, Whickham NE16 4SH 35 Newcastle St Andrew & Crafts splendour at 39 Newcastle St John the Baptist www.stmaryswhickham.org.uk St Andrew’s , St Newgate Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 5SS Grainger Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 5JG At the heart of the Chad’s Bensham and www.standrewsnewcastle.org.uk www.stjohnthebaptistnewcastle.co.uk community for over 800 St George’s, Newcastle. Wonderful historic years, its building reflects There’s modern One of the oldest church, an oasis of different periods in church sculpture too, including churches in the city peace hidden from the architecture. Memorials in Fenwick Lawson’s The on a site dating from hustle and bustle of the churchyard include those Journey at Holy Island and Christ Ascending the early 12th century. the city centre. Many of rowing champion Harry at Houghton-le-Spring. Look out for art Attractive churchyard connections to notable Clasper and 18th century exhibitions hosted by churches such as St is one of the few green figures in the city’s past. composer William Shield. Edmund’s in Gateshead, and St Augustine’s spaces in the city centre. 10am-3pm except Saturdays Weds 9.30am-12noon bus in Alston. 8.30am-4pm. Closed for lunch Fri, Sat and Sun. Metro, bus and train 0191 2327935 Metro, bus, train

12 www.spiritinstone.info www.spiritinstone.info 13 43 Gateshead St Mary’s 46 Low Fell St Helen 49 Cleadon All Saints 51 Roker St Andrew Heritage Centre Belle Vue Bank, Low Fell, Gateshead NE9 6BR Cleadon Lane, Cleadon SR6 7UU Park Avenue, Roker, Sunderland SR6 9PU Oakwellgate, Gateshead NE8 2AU www.sthelenslowfell.com www.cleadonallsaints.org www.parishofmonkwearmouth.co.uk Above the River Tyne next Beautiful Victorian Fine examples of stained glass Consecrated 1907, to The Sage Gateshead, this church built in 1876 by 20th century artists Leonard known as the Arts Grade 1 former church has with awesome stained Evetts and James Eadie-Reid, who & Crafts Cathedral been dramatically adapted glass windows by also made some of the artwork on the walls. of the North. to offer exhibitions and Burne-Jones, Kempe, Further murals painted in 1966 by Michael Hoare. Contains tapestry events with a focus on Bagulay and Wailes & Mon-Fri & Bank holidays 9.30am-3.30pm by Burne-Jones, family history, the local Strang, a fantastic roof bus carpet by William area and educational activities. and a great historic Morris, stained glass windows by Paine. Altar is visible from all Tues-Sun 10am-4pm, Bank holidays & Mon 10am-4pm organ. 50 Fulwell All Saints points of church. Metro, bus by appointment 0191 4876510 bus Fulwell Rd, Sunderland SR6 0JD Mon-Fri 9am-1pm bus 0191 5160135 www.parishofmonkwearmouth. co.uk 44 Gateshead St Edmund’s Chapel 47 Jarrow St Paul Designed in the ‘Early English’ 52 High Street, Gateshead NE8 1DL Church Bank, Jarrow NE32 3DZ Monkwearmouth St Peter Style by John Dobson and www.sanctuaryartspace.org www.stpaulschurchjarrow.com St Peter’s Way, Monkwearmouth, consecrated in October 1849. Sunderland SR6 0DY Rare example of 7th century building with Regarded both nationally and internationally as the www.parishofmonkwearmouth.co.uk a 13th century Roman stones, where birthplace of the Modern Pentecostal movement. pilgrim’s chapel the Saxon monk St. Bede Founded in 674AD, twin by appointment 0191 5160135 bus still used as a worshipped. 11th century of Jarrow. Monastery and parish church. It Norman tower. Treasures B home of Saints Bede, Hild, is also the home include St. Bede’s chair and Benedict Biscop & Ceolfrith. of a new gallery, the oldest Saxon stained Many stone artefacts and Sanctuary Artspace. glass found to date. original porch.

Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu 12noon-4pm Metro, bus 10am(Sun 12noon)-4pm, 3.30pm Sept-Mar Mon-Sat & Bank holidays 10.30am-3pm, Sun 12noon-3pm Metro, bus 0191 4896670 Metro, bus 0191 5160135

45 Bensham St Chad 48 Jarrow St Paul’s Monastery Westminster Bede, the creator of English identity, a 53 Sunderland (Church of Street, Bensham, www.english-heritage.org.uk genius whose influences still remain today. St Michael & All Angels & St Benedict Biscop) Gateshead The home of the Visit Bede’s World Museum and immerse High St West, Sunderland SR1 3ET NE8 4QL Venerable Bede, yourself in an unforgettable journey, as you www.sunderlandminster.org This hidden chronicler of the are transported back 1300 years ago to Serene example of an ancient church surviving treasure was beginnings of the Golden Age of Northumbria in a modern age built as a English Christianity. Experience the landscape of Bede’s Day with something for cathedral for The monastery’s everyone and friendly Uncover the stories behind the artefacts working people. Anglo-Saxon staff. William Morris Very beautiful wood carving and stained glass church - with the oldest dedication stone in the Be inspired by the characters who help shape stained glass window, windows by important designers in the Arts and country, dated AD 685 - partly survives as the early medieval thinking Harrison & Harrison Crafts movement. chancel of the parish church. organ. Wed 12noon-1pm, Sat 10am-12noon, Sun 9am-12noon An English Heritage property. Charges apply. For information Church Bank, Jarrow, Tyne & Wear, NE32 3DY Mon-Sat & Bank holidays 9am-3pm, Sun 10am-2pm call 0191 4897052 or visit website. Metro, bus, train www.bedesworld.co.uk tel: 0191 489 2106 bus 0191 4786338 Metro, bus, train 0191 5654066 email: [email protected]

14 www.spiritinstone.info www.spiritinstone.info 15 West Northumberland & North Pennines

54 Whalton St Mary Magdalene 57 Matfen Holy Trinity 62 61 Whalton, Northumberland NE61 3XH Matfen, Northumberland NE20 0RL Rochester www.whaltonvillage.co.uk www.stamfordhamwithmatfen.org.uk Otterburn Lovely 12th century church in idyllic village. Beautiful church with a fine 60 Contains the Ogle family spire and lovely atmosphere. 63 chapel and the ‘Whalton Built in 1842 by Sir Edward A696 Christ’ collage picture, a Blackett, who is buried in moving historical record of the churchyard. Unusual Kirkwhelpington village life celebrating the outside staircase and links to Bellingham Millennium. children’s author Lorna Hill. 64 59 Whalton 9am-5pm 8am-6pm bus 55 Capheaton 54 Wark Belsay

55 58 65 A68 Bolam St Andrew Ryal All Saints 58 Bolam, Northumberland NE61 3UX Ryal, Northumberland NE20 0RN Simonburn 56 Ponteland www.standrewsbolam.co.uk www.stamfordhamwithmatfen.org.uk 57 66 Saxon church with a largely Norman interior and Simple but charming medieval grave little country church Acomb slabs, nestling in dating from medieval 73 74 A69 67 68 rolling countryside. times, with some A69 69 Haltwhistle Hexham 70 Spirituality and a ancient Norman 71 Prudhoe sense of peace seep gravestones embedded Lambley 75 from its ancient in the wall. Stunning stones. views over the 72 9am-5pm countryside. A689 9am-5pm with assistance 77 Consett Blanchland 78 56 Stamfordham St Mary the Virgin 59 Kirkharle St Wilfrid 76 Stamfordham, Northumberland NE18 0QQ Allenheads Kirkharle, Northumberland NE19 2PE www.stamfordhamwithmatfen.org.uk www.kirkwhelpingtoncambo.org Stunning Grade Leadgate 14th century 1 listed church, Grade 1 listed 79 82 largely 13th century 80 81 church in which with Saxon origins. A689 Capability Brown Crook Extensively restored was baptised in the 19th century. in 1716. Many Many fascinating medieval features ancient monuments including stone and a beautiful 83 basins, recessed cupboards and seats in the wall. West: West Northumberland churchyard. Middleton in at all times & nearby 9am-5pm bus and North Pennines Area Teesdale 01830 540229

16 www.spiritinstone.info www.spiritinstone.info 17 60 Elsdon St Cuthbert 63 Corsenside St Cuthbert 66 Heavenfield St Oswald 69 St Mary the Virgin Elsdon, Northumberland Corsenside, , Northumberland St Oswald’s Heavenfield, Nr Wall Village, Ovingham, Prudhoe, Northumberland NE42 6AJ NE19 1AA NE48 2TA Northumberland NE46 4HB Originally Saxon, largely 14th century church built A place of peace www.dalbeattie.com/stoswalds-heavenfield rebuilt in 13th and 19th where monks rested on and holy simplicity, Delightful hilltop centuries. Contains Saxon their journey with St built to shelter church reached by medieval fragments. Burial Cuthbert’s coffin. Roman St Cuthbert’s walking across a field. place of Thomas Bewick, tombstone, medieval coffin more than a Recorded by St Bede wood engraver. New peel of grave covers and stone thousand years ago. and believed to be eight bells installed 2012. coffins, exquisite windows, Reached by walking location where King Thu-Sun 9am-6pm and historic churchyard. across farmland. Oswald raised a large wooden cross before the bus, train 01661 836072 Summer 10am-6pm, Winter at all times Battle of Heavenfield, AD635. 10am-dusk nearby at all times. nearby 70 Bywell St Peter

64 Bellingham St Cuthbert Bywell, , Northumberland NE43 7AD 67 Hexham Abbey St Andrew 61 Horsley Holy Trinity Bellingham, Northumberland NE48 2JP www.bmscofe.org.uk Horsley, Rochester, Northumberland NE19 1TA 12th century Beaumont Street, Hexham NE46 3NB This Norman www.hexhamabbey.org.uk Built in 1844 Grade 1 listed building with by 2nd Lord church linked Originally a an imposing and to a spring Benedictine Abbey, tower has lancet designed by blessed by a place of worship windows, stone Newcastle St Cuthbert. since AD674. Its carvings, a village architects Rare barrel- many treasures school room, and J. & B. Green. vaulted stone include the Crypt, many curious Important roof, built to withstand attacks from the Border over 1300 years old, features such as estate church Reivers, one of whom is buried in the churchyard. the atmospheric signs of medieval fire damage. Night Stair and with strong links to the Mitford family. 8am-dusk nearby bus usually 9am-4pm. Phone to confirm carved misericords. 01830 520342 bus, train 01661 842272 9am-5pm in Queens Hall seasonal 65 Simonburn St Mungo bus, train 01434 602031 62 Byrness St Francis Simonburn, Northumberland NE48 3AP 71 Bywell St Andrew 13th century Stocksfield, Northumberland NE43 7AD Byrness, Northumberland NE19 1TR 68 St Andrew church with www.visitchurches.org.uk Chapel of Ease 8th century Hill Street, Corbridge, Northumberland NE45 5DW built in 1786. Tall tower is a origins www.corbridgechurch.org.uk Has a wonderful magnificent example of and strong Ancient church dating window Saxon building, dating associations back 1300 years. Nave commemorating from circa 850 AD. Body with Saint is a complete Roman those who of the church dates Mungo (also gateway moved here in the died during the from the 13th century, known as 7th century from nearby construction of enlarged and restored Kentigern). Corstopitum. Norman the Catcleugh in 1871. Extensively rebuilt in the 19th century. Its parish entrance arch. Graveyard has Reservoir from once covered the largest area in England. many interesting memorials. bus, train 1894 to 1905. A Churches Conservation Trust 9am-5pm or dusk if earlier nearby bus 8.45am-5pm or dusk in winter nearby property. For more information call 0113 244 1689 Byrness Hotel 01830 520505 or visit website. 01434 681304 bus, train 01434 633742

18 www.spiritinstone.info www.spiritinstone.info 19 72 Kiln Pit Hill St Andrew 75 Coanwood Friends 78 Edmundbyers St Edmund 81 Westgate Methodist Chapel Shotley, Co. Durham DH8 9SJ Meeting House Church Lane, Edmundbyers, Co Durham DH8 9NQ DL13 1LQ www.visitchurches.org.uk Coanwood, nr Haltwhistle, Northumberland Small stone www.hct.org.uk Perched on Grey Mare Hill (293 metres high) and built NE49 0PU church dating Situated in a community in 1769 on the www.hct.org.uk from the12th rooted in the first years site of a much century with of Methodism, the chapel older church. Stone built two- evidence of retains its 1876 Victorian Simple cruciform roomed meeting previous Saxon layout, complete with a shape with house dating from architecture. Set full set of pews, original sturdy stone ribs 1760. The simple in a peaceful windows and high over the crossing. wooden benches inside are a rare survival of churchyard with attractive views. Interesting quality metal and plaster the historic Quaker layout. Typical Quaker A Churches Conservation Trust property. historic features include an unusual stone altar. decorative detail. gravestones commemorating the Wigham For more information call 0113 244 1689 or visit website. A Historic Chapels Trust property. family who founded the meeting. 9am-5pm approx [email protected] For more information call 01388 517727 or visit website. A Historic Chapels Trust property 73 Greenhead St Cuthbert For more information call 01434 321316 or visit website. 79 Heatherycleugh St Thomas Greenhead, Northumberland CA8 7HB 82 Stanhope St Thomas the Apostle Cowshill, Bishop Auckland DL13 1DD www.holycrosschurchhaltwhistle.co.uk Market Place, Stanhope, Co. Durham DL13 2UP 76 Alston St Augustine Built of stone in 1915. Westmorland slate roof and Small 19th century www.stthomasstanhope.co.uk Front St, Alston, CA9 3QN a stone bellcote church originally with a single bell. Historic church in designed by John Situated in the highest Nave and chancel area of outstanding Dobson, with an market town in England have a barrel natural beauty. unusual wooden with beautiful stained shaped timber Famous fossil tree tiled spire and glass, painted reredos and boarded ceiling. in well documented Kempe stained Frosterley marble columns. Nelson organ. churchyard. Interior glass. Houses the unique single- contains a Roman handed Derwentwater Mar-Oct 10am-4pm or by appointment 01388 537439 016977 47527 altar, a Saxon font, a Frosterley marble font and Clock. bus bus rare medieval glass. at all times Easter-mid Sept (full details on website). bus 01388 528722 80 Ireshopeburn High House Chapel 74 Haltwhistle Holy Cross 77 Blanchland St Mary Hotts, Ireshopeburn, Bishop Auckland DL13 1HD Market Sq, Haltwhistle, Northumberland NE49 0LP Blanchland, Northumberland DH8 9ST www.weardalemuseum.co.uk www.holycrosschurchhaltwhistle.co.uk 83 Newbiggin Methodist Chapel Grade 1 listed. Fascinating and enchanting Exceptionally complete Newbiggin in Teesdale DL12 0TY Contains small museum and historic Early-English parish church www.teesdalemethodists.co.uk remnants from Methodist chapel built in with fabulous stained 12th to19th 1760 and still in continuous Believed to be the glass including windows century and use, featuring the beautiful oldest Methodist produced in 1872 by from the earlier Weardale Tapestry. Three chapel in the world in Morris & Co from designs abbey, with attractions in one. Well continuous use (built by Burne-Jones, Webb and its surviving gatehouse. Surrounding village worth the journey to the 1759). Its history is Ford Maddox Brown. stands on the footprint of the abbey, revealing Durham Dales. inextricably linked with 10am-4pm the rise and decline of lead mining in Teesdale. its original layout. May- Oct: Weds-Sun & Bank bus, train details on website and notice board outside chapel. 10am-5pm nearby 01434 675450 holidays 2pm-5pm, also Aug-Sept: Mon &Tues 2pm-5pm bus 01388 537417 Charges may apply. by appointment 0777 0569714. Jun-Aug: Wed 2pm-4pm.

20 www.spiritinstone.info www.spiritinstone.info 21 Gateshead Durham, Darlington & Tees Sunderland 84 Chester-le-Street St Mary & 87 Seaham St Mary the Virgin Washington St Cuthbert Church Lane, Seaham, Co. Durham SR7 7AG Consett Chester Church Chare, Chester-le-Street DH3 3QB ‘One of the finest small 84 le Street 87 86 www.maryandcuthbert.org.uk churches in the country Houghton Seaham 85 le Spring Beautiful 13th century dating back to the 7th Lanchester 98 and 8th centuries’ church linked to the 97 92 Lumley family. Houses a (E. Fernie, ‘Anglo Saxon 88 93 90 91 89 copy of the Lindisfarne Churches’). Overlooks 99 Easington 94 95 Durham Gospels. Its Anker’s the Durham cliffs. Links 96 Peterlee House Museum contains with the Londonderry 100 the well preserved cell of an Anchorite. family and Lord Byron. Crook A19 at service times Thu & Sun, and Easter-end Sept 10am-3pm June-Sept: Wed & Sat 2-4pm or by appointment 105 Hartlepool 101 bus, train 0191 3893597 0191 5346492 bus, train Spennymoor 104 107 102 103 106 108 85 Finchale Priory 88 Easington St Mary the Virgin Bishop 109 Auckland Newton Hall, Co. Durham DH1 5SH Hall Walks, Easington Village, Co. Durham SR8 3BP 113 A1 114 www.english-heritage.org.uk 12th century Grade 110 115 Billingham Very extensive remains 1 listed building of a 13th century priory, with interesting 111 123 Middlesbrough founded on the site of a monuments and a Barnard retired pirate’s hermitage. historic place in the 118 Castle 116 122 Part of it later served Durham Diocesan 112 117 Darlington as a holiday retreat for the monks of Durham history – Rectors 121 Cathedral. Beautifully sited by the . of Easington were Yarm An English Heritage property. Charges apply. also Archdeacons of Durham until 1832. South: Durham, 119 120 For information call 0191 3863828 or visit website. by appointment 0191 5272115 May-Sept: Fri 1pm-4pm Darlington & Tees area bus 86 Houghton-le-Spring St Michael 90 Durham Cathedral 91 Chapels & All Angels 89 Pittington St Laurence Palace Green, Durham DH1 3EH Palace Green, Durham DH1 3RW Church Street, Houghton-le-Spring DH4 4DN Hallgarth, Pittington, Co. Durham DH6 1AB www.durhamcathedral.co.uk www.dur.ac.uk/castle.chapel www.stmichaels-hls.org.uk www.saint-laurence.org.uk One of Europe’s finest Norman Chapel Stunning ancient parish church dating back One of ’s Romanesque cathedrals and is older than the 1000 years. Norman and medieval architecture finest Norman churches part of a UNESCO World cathedral. Unusual with visible Saxon with 12th century Heritage site. Built in 1093 carvings on its stone foundations. Visit arcades, a Norman font to house the Shrine of St pillars, including a England Red Rose and a rare 12th century Cuthbert. Also the resting mermaid. Tunstall award. A place of wall painting. Exterior place of the Venerable Bede. Chapel has unusual revelation, hope and south wall has an ancient sundial, possibly from an misericords, including a pig playing bagpipes. encounter. earlier church on the site. 7.30am-6pm (summer 8pm) bus, train Book through the World Heritage Site Visitor Centre Apr-Oct: Mon-Sat & Bank holidays11am-1pm May-Sept: Sat 2pm-4pm 0191 374 4050 Charges apply. 0191 3342932 bus, train bus 0191 5121769 Wed and Thu. 0191 3867224

22 www.spiritinstone.info www.spiritinstone.info 23 93 Durham St Oswald 96 Shincliffe St Mary the Virgin 99 Satley St Cuthbert More churches to explore Church Street, Durham DH1 3DL High Street, Shincliffe Co. Durham DH1 2NJ Church Bank, Satley, Co. Durham DL13 4HU here are www.oswalds.org.uk www.shincliffe.org.uk Charming little Tmany more Site of Christian A charming mid 19th church, simple and interesting worship for over century village church on welcoming, with a churches in 1000 years. Present the outskirts of Durham history going back this region church dates from with a noteworthy 800 years or more. that are open about 1180. Notable chancel screen and Clayton & Bell and welcome Victorian stained reredos installed in the glass windows and visitors. Some glass, fine medieval early 20th century. medieval grave covers. Churchyard includes a open every day, some on set days or for woodwork and details on church woodland wildlife reserve. seasonal events. Church heritage trails, local sculpture. Links to noticeboard bus Apr- Sept: first and third Sun 11am-6pm and by appointment area guides and websites linking groups of hymn tune composer J.B. Dykes. Large leafy 01388 730855 churches are also available, for example: churchyard giving access to river. Glendale Churches Heritage Trail - Mon-Fri 9am-5pm (or dusk if earlier) 97 Witton Gilbert St Michael Fourteen churches in the area around bus, train 0191 3830830 & All Angels 100 Brancepeth St Brandon Wooler in Northumberland, via the website Coach Lane, Witton Gilbert, Co. Durham DH7 6SU Brancepeth, Co. Durham DH7 8DF www.wooler.org.uk/community www.wittongilbert.durhamnorthteam.org www.stbrandon.co.uk 94 Durham Neville’s Cross St John A guide to Bellingham Churches - Nineteen A peaceful, Stunning 900 Neville’s Cross, Durham DH1 4DU churches in the Redesdale area of north welcoming little year old church www.sjnx.org.uk west of Northumberland. church, built in recently - and Built in 1896, with pews beautifully - ‘A Dales Journey in the Footsteps of John the 12th century, bearing woodcarver Robert alongside a restored after Wesley’ – a Methodist heritage trail around Thompson’s famous mouse a fire in 1998. County Durham. wooded dene trademark. Renovated to suit that is a nature Houses the ‘Cuddy’s Corse’ – a heritage trail from today’s vibrant church life, reserve. Fine most important Chester-le-Street to Durham via moving the Rood Screen and painted reredos and carved Stations of the Cross. collection of medieval cross-slabs in northern Finchale Priory. remodelling the Chancel. England. Jun-Aug: Sat 11am-3pm bus by appointment 0191 3842433 8am-dusk bus Find details of these and more via by appointment only 0191 3718814 or 0191 3711295 www.spiritinstone.info bus 101 Whitworth Parish Church 98 Lanchester All Saints Stanners Lane, Whitworth, Spennymoor DL16 7QX 92 Durham St Giles 95 Durham St Margaret of Antioch Durham Road, Lanchester DH7 OLJ First mentioned Gilesgate, Durham DH1 1QQ Crossgate, Durham DH1 4PR Founded 1147 with in 1183 in the www.stgilesdurham.co.uk www.stmargaretsdurham.org.uk Roman pillars & altar, Bolden Book. Beautiful church medieval glass and Constructed as a Rebuilt in the in central Durham. misericords. Memorial hospital chapel 19th century. For 850 years it has to locomotive pioneer in 1112. Later Two 13th century provided prayerful, William Hedley. ‘Mousie’ became the church stone effigies peaceful space for Thompson carvings on of the growing of a knight in any visitor to enjoy. pews. parish. Restored armour and his lady. Birthplace and burial place Ancient font of and extended in by appointment 0191 521170 of Bonnie Bobby Shafto. Frosterley marble and fine Victorian stained glass. the 19th century. bus Apr-Oct: First Sun in month 2pm-5pm and by appointment Jun-Sept: Mon, Wed, Fri 10am-12noon bus, train by appointment 0191 3842452 bus, train details on notice board 01388 817824

24 www.spiritinstone.info www.spiritinstone.info 25 102 Kirk Merrington 105 Hart St Mary Magdalene 108 Escomb Saxon Church 111 Staindrop St Mary St John the Evangelist Magdalene Drive, Hart, Saxon Green, Escomb, Bishop Auckland DL14 7SX Front Street, Staindrop, Co. Durham DL2 3NJ Merrington Road, Kirk Merrington, Co. Durham Hartlepool TS27 3AP www.escombsaxonchurch.co.uk www.stmarysstaindrop.org.uk DL16 7HY Ancient enigmatic building in a Now encircled by modern Originally Saxon, Built on Norman rural setting of Hart Village. housing, this 7th century though much that foundations with Church is adjacent to the Saxon church is one of the remains today is 13th typical 17th century remains of the de Brus Manor oldest in England, built century and 19th Cosin woodwork. From House and medieval Fish Pond from stone from Binchester century rebuilding. here on a clear day field. Roman fort. Many Contains two Saxon it is said you can see by appointment bus fascinating original features. cross fragments and three counties. 01429 262340 Historical exhibition in the sundial, an anchorite’s window and fragments of porch. medieval cross-slabs. second Tue every month10am-12noon and by appointment 01388 811108 8.30am-8pm, winter 4pm details at church 9am-5pm (winter 4pm) bus 106 Hartlepool St Aidan bus and group catering 01388 602860 Oxford Street, Hartlepool 112 St Mary 103 Bishop Middleham St Michael TS25 1SN 109 Newgate, Barnard Castle DL12 8NQ Church Street, Bishop Middleham, Co. Durham Red brick Victorian Bishop Auckland St Andrew www.stmarysbarnardcastle.org.uk DL17 9AF www.upperskerne.org.uk building in Early English St Andrew’s Rd, South Church, style, dedicated in 1890. A church with links Beautiful and Bishop Auckland DL14 6SP Tower with eight bells. to Richard III and historic village bvemv.orpheusweb.co.uk/StAndrewsParish.html Contains a particularly Durham regiments. church dating Once a ‘collegiate’ beautiful reredos, stained Contains a rare from early 12th church, this grandly glass and a splendid 120 indoor labyrinth, fine century with spacious 13th year old Conacher organ. stained glass and links to historian century parish one of the largest Robert Surtees. Contains a leper’s squint and Tues eves and by appointment 01429 871814 church contains fonts in the country. Frosterley marble font. bus Saxon carvings, a reconstructed Saxon 8am-dusk bus by appointment details on church noticeboard cross and 15th or 01740 655722 bus century choir stalls. 107 Hartlepool St Hilda by appointment 01388 605440 bus 113 Shildon St John Church Close, Hartlepool TS24 0DA Church Street, Shildon, Co. Durham DL4 1DW 104 www.hartlepool-sthilda.org.uk Trimdon St Mary Magdalene www.saintjohnsshildon.org.uk Magnificent Front Street, Trimdon Station TS29 6LY 110 Cockfield St Mary the Virgin Shildon is a Railway Town www.upperskerne.org.uk Early English church. Enormous Church Square, Cockfield, Co. Durham DL13 5AE and Railway Pioneer Built in 1155 on buttresses, 7th Built around 1188. Retains its original south wall Timothy Hackworth a pilgrim route. century name- and chancel arch. is buried here. Stained Contains a Norman stone, Brus Tomb, Also a priest’s door glass windows depict chancel with unusual Norman doorway, and leper window. the working class horseshoe arch and and views across Beside historic environment. One fine art leper’s window. Well the bay to Hartlepool and the North York Moors. Cockfield Fell deco window situated in kept churchyard Visitor Centre with multimedia displays. (walkers’ leaflets the lady chapel. Princess Diana’s death available). details on church noticeboard. was announced here by Tony Blair. Wed, Sat, Sun, Bank holidays 2-4pm and by appointment bus, train bus and group catering 01429 264403 by appointment 01388 718447 bus 9am-6pm bus

26 www.spiritinstone.info www.spiritinstone.info 27 114 Aycliffe St Andrew 116 Gainford St Mary 119 Hurworth All Saints The Charm of Churchyards High Street, Aycliffe Village, Co.Durham DL5 6NA Low Green, Gainford, Darlington DL2 3DS Church Row, Hurworth DL2 2AQ www.aycliffehistory.org.uk www.thisbeautifullife.co.uk www.allsaintshurworth.co.uk The churchyards in this Ancient religious centre. Beautiful church in beautiful location with Grade 2 listed guide are wonderful Collection of two Saxon access to River Victorian building places. Some have crosses dating from the Tees through the with 15th century beautiful gardens, others 9th century, Saxon interior, churchyard. Mostly features in lovely are left as meadows to attract wildlife. Some Jacobean pulpit, organ 13th century with village. Contains some are oases in the heart of cities, while others screen and black oak pews. Norman origins. fine stone carving in offer glorious rural views. Each churchyard has Restored in 1864. chancel and beautiful something special about it. These examples are Apr-Sept: Wed 2-4pm. bus Contains Anglo-Danish and medieval carvings. stained glass by just a taster. Look for the to find many more. 01325 300040 and by appointment Clayton & Bell and 19 by appointment 01325 733268 details at church Warkworth St Lawrence – enjoy its William Wailes. beautiful church garden bus 115 Heighington St Michael by appointment bus 01325 720055 28 Earsdon St Alban – poignant memories East Green, Heighington, Newton Aycliffe DL5 6PN of a pit disaster in lovely scenery 117 High Coniscliffe St Edwin 34 Beautiful Grade 1 listed Benwell St James - urban oasis with The Green, High Coniscliffe, Darlington DL2 2LR 120 All Saints Norman Church set in historic graves and family trail to follow Girsby Village DL2 1PP churchyard on village Beautiful 12th century 82 Stanhope St Thomas – discover its www.allsaintshurworth.co.uk green. Heighington church standing high unique Fossil Tree is set out as a typical above the . Simple country medieval village, Named after the church, built in 122 Long Newton St Mary described as the most perfect in England. first Christian King of 1838 with box Northumbria (Coniscliffe pews. Tranquil Darlington Rd, Long Newton, Co. Durham TS21 1PE Wed, Fri, Sat 2-4pm and by appointment means King’s Cliff). rural setting www.stmaryslongnewton.co.uk bus 01325 301213 Features include an overlooking River Built in 1856, on the unusual 14th century octagonal spire. Tees, on walking site of several earlier and cycling routes. A Welcome Retreat by appointment details on church noticeboard churches, by the

nearby bus by appointment details in porch & website Londonderry family. he North East is Fine carved screen and Tfortunate in having many tablets of historical interest. Remodelled several retreat centres 118 Darlington St Cuthbert 121 Egglescliffe St John the Baptist to be user-friendly while retaining its essential which are set in lovely character and historic connection. Market Place, Darlington DL1 5QG environments and Church Road, Egglescliffe, Co. Durham TS16 9BU www.stcuthbertsdarlington.org.uk 9am-5pm bus reflect the spiritual heritage of this region. www.stjohnsegglescliffe.org.uk These include Alnmouth Friary (Franciscan), Grade 1 listed church 800 years old, with 12th century this church stands Shepherds Dene (Anglican), Minsteracres 123 Redmarshall St Cuthbert (Roman Catholic), the Northumbrian origins fondly known prominent above Church Lane Redmarshall, Co. Durham TS21 1EU Community, and the Community of Aidan as ‘The Lady of the the River Tees www.stocktonsix.org.uk and Hilda on Holy Island (celtic/ecumenical). North’. Housed the overlooking Yarm. town’s first school. Grade 1 listed building If you wish to take some time out to rest Its 17th century Treasures include 15th dating from 12th century. and reflect or just to “be” in a place which is Cosin woodwork century misericords, mosaic reredos by Dobbin and Contains many historical both welcoming and peaceful visit is complemented by splendid modern wood pulpit designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott. features including www.spiritinstone.info for more sculpture work by Colin Wilbourn. Jacobean box pews and the Langton chapel with information and links to these and other Easter-Sept: Mon-Fr 11am-1pm and by appointment Mon-Fri & Bank holidays 9am-5.30pm, Sun 7.30am-6pm effigies of Sir Thomas and Lady Sybil de Langton. retreat centres. bus, train 01325 469504 bus by appointment 01740 630810

28 www.spiritinstone.info www.spiritinstone.info 29 Index Church ...... Page No. Church ...... Page No. Church ...... Page No. Alston St Augustine...... 20 Finchale Priory ...... 22 Newcastle St John the Baptist ...... 13 Finding the Way Ancroft St Anne ...... 6 Ford St Michael & All Angels ...... 4 Newcastle St Mary’s Catholic Cathedral ...... 13 Aycliffe St Andrew...... 28 Fulwell (Monkwearmouth) All Saints ...... 15 Norham St Cuthbert ...... 4 ollow in the footsteps Bamburgh St Aidan ...... 6 Gainford St Mary ...... 28 Old Bewick Holy Trinity ...... 7 Fof pilgrims by Barnard Castle St Mary ...... 27 Gateshead St Edmund’s Chapel ...... 14 Ovingham St Mary the Virgin ...... 19 exploring all or part of Bede’s World ...... 15 Gateshead St Mary (Visitor Centre) ...... 14 Pittington St Laurence ...... 22 a long distance walking Bellingham St Cuthbert ...... 18 Girsby (Sockburn) All Saints ...... 29 Ponteland St Mary ...... 10 route with a Christian Bensham St Chad ...... 14 Gosforth St Nicholas ...... 11 Redmarshall St Cuthbert ...... 29 heritage theme: Benwell St James ...... 12 Greenhead St Cuthbert ...... 20 Roker St Andrew ...... 15 Berwick Holy Trinity & St Mary ...... 4 Haltwhistle Holy Cross ...... 20 Rothbury All Saints ...... 7 • St Cuthbert’s Way, from Melrose in Biddlestone RC Chapel ...... 7 Hart St Mary Magdalene ...... 26 Ryal All Saints ...... 16 to Holy Island (62 miles, 100 km) Bishop Auckland St Andrew ...... 27 Hartlepool St Aidan ...... 26 Ryton Holy Cross ...... 13 through places of significance in the life of Bishop Middleham St Michael ...... 26 Hartlepool St Hilda ...... 26 Satley St Cuthbert ...... 25 St Cuthbert, www.stcuthbertsway.info Blanchland St Mary...... 20 Heatherycleugh St Thomas ...... 21 Seaham St Mary the Virgin ...... 22 • St Oswald’s Way, from Holy Island to Bolam St Andrew ...... 16 Heavenfield St Oswald ...... 19 Shildon St John ...... 27 Brancepeth St Brandon ...... 25 Heighington St Michael ...... 28 Shincliffe St Mary the Virgin ...... 25 Heavenfield and Hadrian’s Wall (97 miles, Branxton St Paul ...... 4 Hexham Abbey St Andrew ...... 19 Simonburn St Mungo ...... 18 156 km) with links to St. Oswald, 7th Brinkburn Priory ...... 8 High Coniscliffe St Edmund ...... 28 Staindrop St Mary ...... 27 century King of Northumbria, Byrness St Francis ...... 18 Holy Island St Mary the Virgin ...... 6 Stamfordham St Mary the Virgin ...... 16 www.stoswaldsway.com Horsley (Rochester) Holy Trinity ...... 18 Stanhope St Thomas the Apostle ...... 21 Bywell St Andrew ...... 19 • Bede’s Way, walk or cycle route linking Bywell St Peter ...... 19 Houghton-le-Spring St Michael & All Angels ...... 22 Sunderland Minster ...... 15 the twin Anglo-Saxon monastery of St Carham St Cuthbert ...... 4 Hurworth All Saints ...... 29 Trimdon St Mary Magdalene ...... 26 Peter’s in Wearmouth and St Paul’s in Chester-le-Street St Mary & St Cuthbert ...... 22 Ingram St Michael & All Angels ...... 7 Tynemouth Priory ...... 10 Chillingham St Peter ...... 7 Ireshopeburn High House Chapel ...... 21 Warkworth St Lawrence ...... 8 Jarrow (12 miles, 19 km) Cleadon All Saints ...... 15 Jarrow St Paul ...... 14 Westgate Methodist Chapel ...... 21 www.jarrowparish.info/bedes-way Coanwood ...... 20 Jarrow St Paul’s Monastery ...... 14 Whalton St Mary Magdalene ...... 16 Other shorter walks are available to Jesmond St George ...... 11 Whickham St Mary the Virgin ...... 13 Cockfield St Mary the Virgin ...... 27 download via www.spiritinstone.info Corbridge St Andrew ...... 19 Kiln Pitt Hill (Shotley) St Andrew...... 20 Whitworth Parish Church ...... 25 Corsenside St Cuthbert ...... 18 Kirk Merrington St John the Evangelist ...... 26 Witton Gilbert St Michael & All Angels ...... 25 Cullercoats St George ...... 10 Kirkharle St Wilfred ...... 16 Darlington St Cuthbert ...... 28 Kirknewton St Gregory ...... 4 Delaval Our Lady ...... 10 Lanchester All Saints ...... 25 Acknowledgements Lindisfarne Priory ...... 6 Durham Castle Chapels ...... 23 This guide has produced by Inspired North East and the North East Churches Tourism Task Group, with the help Long Newton St Mary ...... 29 Durham Cathedral ...... 23 of the following people: Alison Stancliffe, Rosie Stancliffe, Jan Williams, Peter Barham and Andrew Duff (editor). Longframlington St Mary the Virgin ...... 8 Durham St Giles Church ...... 24 The information in this guide comes from the churches themselves and is as accurate as possible. However Durham St Margaret of Antioch ...... 24 Low Fell St Helen ...... 14 circumstances change, so please let us know if you find any incorrect content during your visit. Durham Nevilles Cross St John ...... 24 Lowick St John the Baptist...... 6 We are grateful for permission from the following photographers to use their images. All images are subject to Durham St Oswald ...... 24 Matfen Holy Trinity ...... 16 copyright. Alfred Alderson 120, Peter Barham 54, Walter Baxter 4, 5 & 7, Alan Blacklock 95, Carol Bleasdale 92, Mitford St Mary Magdalene ...... 9 Earsdon St Alban ...... 10 Steve Bulman 12, Michael Burke 62, Alan Cater 3, Alexander P Kapp 84, Mike Quinn 65 & 75, Martin Richter 106, Monkwearmouth St Peter ...... 15 Easington St Mary the Virgin ...... 22 Anne Stancliffe 87, Phil Thirkell 6, Percival Turnbull 123. Edmundbyers St Edwin ...... 21 Morpeth St James the Great ...... 8 Design: GHP Design. Egglescliffe St John the Baptist ...... 29 Morpeth St Mary ...... 8 Eglingham St Maurice ...... 7 Neville’s Cross, Durham St John ...... 24 Inspired North East, Church House, St John’s Terrace, Percy Main, North Shields, NE29 6HS. Elsdon St Cuthbert ...... 18 Newbiggin Methodist Chapel ...... 21 Inspired North East is working with local congregations to help achieve a sustainable future for church Escomb Saxon Church ...... 27 Newcastle Brunswick Methodist Church ...... 12 buildings as living places of worship, used and enjoyed by local communities, welcoming to visitors, Etal St Mary the Virgin ...... 4 Newcastle Cathedral Church of St Nicholas ...... 13 and unique heritage assets. Newcastle St Andrew RC ...... 13 Felton St Michael & All Angels ...... 8 Spirit in Stone © Inspired North East 2013 www.inspirednortheast.org.uk Fenham St James & St Basil ...... 12 Newcastle St Andrew ...... 12

30 www.spiritinstone.info www.spiritinstone.info 31 hatever your interest - magnificent Wbuildings, fascinating churchyards, famous personalities, stunning artistry and craftsmanship – you are sure to find it satisfied by this collection of fine churches and Christian heritage sites.

“There is nowhere in England more steeped in Christian prayer or more packed with Christian Saints than the North East. From the awesome Durham Cathedral to the wild retreat of Lindisfarne, the deep spirituality of the area has been given expression in stone throughout the centuries, and the modern pilgrim with eyes to see and an open heart cannot but be moved by it all. ‘Spirit in Stone’ will help you to make the most of it too, but as you marvel at the stonework look deeper to see the Spirit behind it.” The Rt Rev and Rt Hon Justin Welby Archbishop of Canterbury (and former ) Visitor information The Spirit in Stone website offers more in-depth information about churches to visit, ideas for exploring themes and routes, and links to other official visitor This guide has been produced information websites. by Inspired North East with Visit www.spiritinstone.info the support of the following:

Many of the churches in DIOCESES OF this guide may be reached DURHAM & NEWCASTLE by public transport. To find routes and times visit the Traveline journey planner: jplanner.travelinenortheast.info

www.spiritinstone.info