Art and Architecture
Kirkharle St Wilfrid
Our churches are rich in architecture and decorative arts. Whether you simply enjoy the pleasure of lovely places and visual delights, or have an eye for the finer points of building styles, monuments and art in glass, wood or stone, there is plenty to wonder at and enjoy.
The medieval period is well represented, including stone carvings of the Magi at St Gregory’s at Kirknewton, tombs and figures of warrior families at St Peter’s in Chillingham, St Mary’s in Staindrop, and the “Lumley Warriors” at St Mary and St Cuthbert’s in Chester-le-Street - to name just a few!
Church windows are colourful story-books! Here is a short video introduction to church windows - made for children but rather fun for anyone to enjoy!
The art of glass has a very long history - indeed first stained glass in England was produced in the 7th century at the former monastery at St Peter’s in Monkwearmouth. Look for local saints, heroes and Bible stories – some familiar, others mysterious to modern eyes. Magnificent modern work is well worth seeing, for example Hexham Abbey’s “Tyrrell Window” (2012) and the new “Hartley Memorial” windows (2013) at St Alban’s Church in Earsdon.
Other artistic gems include the Arts and Crafts splendours of St. Andrew’s in Roker, St George’s in Jesmond, Newcastle, and St Chad’s in Gateshead, and contemporary sculpture by Fenwick Lawson: “The Journey” at St Mary’s, Lindisfarne and “Christ Ascending” at St Michael & All Angels at Houghton-le-Spring. Some churches host regular art events, including the Sanctuary Artspace at St Edmund’s in Gateshead and St Augustine’s in Alston, Cumbria.
See the tower through the gates. Come inside the Norman building. See lancet windows, stone carvings, a village school room, and fire damaged walls outside.
An oasis of peace in a truly wonderful historic church hidden from the hustle and bustle of the city centre.
This stunning ancient parish church is a place of revelation, hope and encounter where you will find 1000 years of Christianity and 4000 years of human history.
St. Mary's has been at the heart of the community for many centuries and is an important historic treasure of Tyneside.
A small, serene, historic church, which is more than 900 years old and is still in use regularly for Sunday services and weddings etc.
A church in a magnificent setting with a fine view of the Cheviot and Flodden hill from the porch. The building dates from the 13th century and has always been closely associated with Ford Castle and whoever owned it.
St John's is one of the oldest churches in the city. It is open daily and welcomes visitors from all over the world.
St Mary’s dating from 1190, has a fine Norman chancel arch, as well as good Victorian stained glass, and a carved altar and font cover from the early 20th century. It is at the centre of a thriving Christian community, with a community room completed in 2012 attached to the north wall.
Ellingham Parish Church is situated in the woodland East of the village of Ellingham – you may just see the tower above the trees as you approach.
J’s and B’s is a beautiful Arts and Crafts church built in 1931, open daily for prayer and reflection.
St Edmund's is a rare example of a 13th century pilgrim's chapel and is also the home of a new gallery, Sanctuary Artspace.
Believed to be the oldest Methodist chapel in the world in continuous use, whose history is inextricably linked with the rise and decline of lead mining in Teesdale.
St Andrew’s (Worswick Street) is a historic Roman Catholic church in the heart of the city centre. It is a fine example of mid-Victorian Roman Catholic church architecture.
Historic St Thomas’ Church and fossil tree is in Stanhope, an area of outstanding natural beauty.
Fine examples of stained glass by two artists and artwork on the walls from one of these and another artist.
A medieval church building with a spectacular lantern tower, located in the heart of the city, with lots to discover inside.
A simple but beautiful little country church, with some ancient Norman gravestones embedded in the wall.
St James is a fine Victorian church in Morpeth. It’s open every day, so come and see it.
A 12th-century church with fine stained glass, woodwork, sculpture and bells, and a beautiful and interesting churchyard.
Consecrated 1907, known as the Arts & Crafts Cathedral of the North. Contains Tapestry by Burne Jones, Carpet by William Morris, Stained glass windows by Paine. The altar can be seen from all points of church.
This hidden treasure was built as a cathedral for working people. Very beautiful, with a lovely atmosphere.
Built in 1844 by 2nd Lord Redesdale - architects J & B Green. Important estate church with strong links to the Mitford family.
St Mary’s is a charming mid-nineteenth century village church on the outskirts of Durham.
Largely medieval church displaying the evolution of a well-developed 13thC church from a Norman core. Carvings in stonework and a turret clock dated 1796.
A rare church built on the orders of Cromwell’s Commissioners during the Commonwealth which has grown and developed over 350 years to be a stunning example of Georgian and Victorian architecture.
The monastery and original home of the Venerable Bede, monk and scholar, AD 674.
Durham Castle has two chapels. The Norman Chapel is older than the cathedral, with unusual carvings.
St. George’s, Jesmond, a Grade I listed nineteenth century church is ‘one of the outstanding ecclesiastical buildings in the north of England’.
A beautiful church, over 200 years old but on a very old site dating back to Saxon times.
Situated in the heart of the market town of Hexham, Hexham Abbey is one of the most-visited free attractions in the North East and has a new visitor centre, an interactive exhibition, cafe, and shop.
A beautiful Victorian church built in 1876 with awesome stained glass windows, a fantastic roof and a great historic organ.
Church was built 1915, stone built with Westmorland slate roof, Bellcote with one bell. Nave and chancel, one aisle. Nelson organ.
Late Saxon West Tower, 12th Century porch, original long lancet windows at east end.
Founded 1147. Roman pillars and altar. Mediaeval glass & misericords. Squinch arch. Locomotive pioneer. Mice galore and much more!
The oldest building on Holy Island, the only building that retains work from the Saxon period. It is very likely that St. Aidan worshipped on this site from arriving in 635 AD.
Originally designed by John Dobson, a church with an interesting spire and Kempe Glass.
An ancient and interesting Church, full of historical information, a quite, peaceful sanctuary.
Beautiful 13th century church with a long history of worship by local families through the centuries.
Visitors, sometime from as far away as Australia and the USA have described the church in the visitors book as ‘impressive’ and ‘lovely; they admire the particular peaceful quality of the building.
A beautiful church set in a large rural churchyard, an ideal place for quiet meditation.
First mentioned in 1183 in the Bolden Book. Rebuilt in the 19th C. Two 13th C stone effigies of a knight in armour and his lady. Birthplace and burial place of Bonnie Bobby Shafto.
Our church is 800 years old. It has some interesting woodwork which is 350 years old.
Our Church warmly welcomes you to meet with God and share in worship and fellowship with us.
High House Chapel is the oldest purpose built Methodist Chapel in continuous use since it was built in 1760.
'More to this church than meets the eye' (Pevsner). A site of Christian worship since the 11th century or earlier, the chancel and south transept date from the late 15th century.
A beautiful serene example of an ancient church surviving in a modern age with something for everyone to enjoy and nice friendly staff who are more than happy to help.
Medieval church with Saxon foundation (737 AD), remarkable vaulted chancel. Also Hermitage nearby.
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