THE 13th CENTURY CHURCH of St.NICHOLAS
This beautiful church is a typical Early English Church which has remained unaltered since 1300. Built in 1220, the only major alteration has been the addition of the North and South aisles about 1300. Two typical features of its style are the excessively long chancel ant the rather plain and severe stonework with minimal ornamentation.
An excellent view of the main architectural features of the church can be obtained from the Baptistry.
THE BAPTISTRY.
The two windows inside the building date from the extension of the north and south aisles beyond the western level of the tower. Originally the aisles came only to the western level when the Baptistry walls and windows would be part of the exterior fabric.
The date of the ancient Font is not known. The Belfry, above the Baptistry, houses two ancient bells, one of which dates from 1536.
The Above information was taken from "FESTIVAL OF FLOWERS", booklet which celebrated between the 25th and 28th September , 1980. Kindly loaned to us by Beryl McCartney.
"The Church, dedicated to St. Nicholas, is a venerable and interesting edifice, picturesquely situated on an eminence overlooking the village; but of the original structure, which was built at the beginning of the thirteenth century, little now remains. The present spire and tower has been ascribed to the same date; it seems probable, however, that these were added at a subsequent date, as the base of the tower appears to be much older than the superstructure. The original building consisted of chancel, nave and tower, the aisles being added towards the close of the thirteenth century; these were heightened later, and extended to the west side of the tower, and the south porch erected. Presumably there was an earlier church here, as the first rector mentioned is William, who was succeeded by Alverd, in the time of Bishop Galfrid Rufus, 1133-40. ...
"The church was restored in 1876, at a cost of £1700, and a new organ was put in at a further cost of £300. "
[From History, Topography and Directory of Durham, Whellan , London, 1894]
