St Andrew’s Church, Bishop Auckland

 

It is believed that St Andrew’s Church in Bishop Auckland is the largest parish church in the Diocese of Durham.  And it certainly feels it when you walk into this spacious, cruciform place of worship.

 

Massive arches, vividly coloured windows, and rich woodwork makes this church a perfect example of a 13th-century building.

 

History of St Andrew’s Church

 

The first church was built on this site, around 650AD.  By 1100AD, a new church was constructed to house canons expelled from Durham, when the latter was made monastic.

 

The present church was built in 1274AD as a Collegiate Church.  It had a dean, twelve canons, and twelve vicars.

 

The structure they erected is large – 47 meters long and 25.5 meters wide, with the tower reaching 25.5 meters in height.

 

Exploring St Andrew’s Church

 

The first thing I saw as I entered the church was a massive stone cross standing tall, almost under the bell tower.  This is fascinating to look at.  Several large fragments of Saxon carved stonework (dated to 650AD) have been incorporated into the cross.  These fragments were unearthed in 1881 when the South Transept was rebuilt.  The carvings are spectacular – leaf scrolls with birds and animals and an archer shooting at birds.

 

Opposite the entrance, on the North wall, is a collection of medieval masonry (unearthed during building works over the years) as well as two life-sized effigies.  The first effigy is carved in dark oak and depicts a knight.  This dates from the 1320s.  The second effigy is of a female, thought to be part of the Bellasy family.  This was carved in stone.  Both are beautiful!

 

In the Chancel are double rows of choir stalls worth a closer look.  The upper row is medieval and has stunning misericords carved with foliage.  These date from the episcopacy of Cardinal Langley in the early 15th century (one misericord bears the arms of Cardinal Langley).

 

Exterior and Churchyard

 

Above the entrance porch is a Parvise.  This room was used centuries ago by the Sacristan or Curate, who used it as living quarters.  A little window to the Parvise is still visible.  Above this window is a beautiful sundial dating from 1749.

 

A closer look at the bell tower reveals an unusual structure on its SW corner.  This is a spiral staircase leading up to the bell chamber, but instead of being located inside the tower (as in most churches), this one seems to have been “tacked on” to the building.

 

The churchyard itself is slightly overgrown but still pleasant to explore.  Some graves date from the 17th century.

 

Historical Sites Nearby

 

• Two medieval churches are located 34 miles North, in Newcastle-upon-Tyne.  These  are St John the Baptist and St Andrews.
• The medieval Town Walls of Newcastle also lies 34 miles North
• The Holy Cross Church in Ryton is 28 miles North
• Tynemouth Priory and Castle is located on the coast, 39 miles North

 

Sources

 

• Site visit and observation
• St Andrew’s Auckland leaflet
• Spirit In Stone website
• Historic England Archives