What is Escomb Church and where is it located?

Escomb Church is the Church of England parish church for the village of Escomb in County Durham, England. It is situated approximately 2.4 kilometers west of Bishop Auckland. The church is recognized for its historical significance as one of the oldest Anglo-Saxon churches in England.

What is the historical significance of Escomb Church in the context of Anglo-Saxon architecture?

Escomb Church holds significant historical importance as it is one of the oldest Anglo-Saxon churches in England. Furthermore, it is one of only four complete Anglo-Saxon churches that remain in England, making it a rare and valuable example of early medieval ecclesiastical architecture.

What is the heritage designation of Escomb Church?

Escomb Church is designated as a Grade I listed building. This is the highest category of listed building in England, signifying its exceptional architectural and historical importance.

When was Escomb Church founded, and what historical period does this date correspond to?

The church was founded approximately between AD 670 and 675. This period places its construction within the Anglian Kingdom of Northumbria, during the early Anglo-Saxon era of English history.

What materials were used in the construction of Escomb Church, and where were some of these materials sourced?

Escomb Church is constructed using large, roughly dressed, squared stones. A significant portion of these stones were repurposed from the nearby Roman fort located at Vinovia, which is now known as Binchester.

What specific architectural features at Escomb Church indicate its Anglo-Saxon origins and the reuse of Roman materials?

Evidence of Anglo-Saxon construction and Roman material reuse includes a 7th or early 8th-century sundial on the south porch gable, a reused Roman stone with the inscription "LEG VI" (Sixth Legion) set upside down on the north wall, and an Anglo-Saxon relief of an animal's head above the sundial. The building's overall construction with large quoins and the proportions of the nave and chancel are also characteristic of the Anglo-Saxon style.

Why do some scholars debate the exact construction date of Escomb Church in relation to Bede?

The debate arises because the Venerable Bede, who lived from approximately AD 673 to 735, did not mention Escomb Church in his writings. However, it is noted that Bede only recorded churches associated with specific events he documented, so his omission does not definitively rule out an earlier construction date.

Describe the typical Anglo-Saxon proportions of Escomb Church's nave and chancel.

The nave of Escomb Church is characterized by its narrow and tall proportions, which is typical of Anglo-Saxon church design. The chancel is rectangular in shape.

What are the dimensions of the nave and chancel at Escomb Church?

Internally, the nave measures 43 feet 6 inches (13.3 meters) in length and 14 feet 6 inches (4.4 meters) in width. The chancel is a square measuring 10 feet (3.0 meters) on each side.

What are the dimensions and characteristics of the walls and chancel arch at Escomb Church?

The walls of the nave are notably thick, measuring 2 feet 4 inches (0.7 meters) and reaching a height of approximately 23 feet (7.0 meters). The chancel arch is 5 feet 3 inches (1.6 meters) wide, with its apex standing 15 feet (4.6 meters) above the nave floor. The arch itself features massive stone jambs, simple chamfered imposts, and precisely-cut, radial voussoirs, which are characteristic of Roman architectural forms rather than typical Anglo-Saxon construction.

What is significant about the chancel arch at Escomb Church?

The chancel arch is a prominent internal feature due to its tall and narrow design. Its southern impost bears a resemblance to those found in a gateway of the Roman fort at Chesters on Hadrian's Wall, further supporting the theory of stone reuse from Binchester. The arch's construction with radial voussoirs is also notable, as this was a Roman technique not commonly replicated by Anglo-Saxon builders.

What architectural style is Escomb Church primarily associated with, and what are its key construction materials?

Escomb Church is primarily associated with the Anglo-Saxon architectural style. It is constructed from squared sandstone, featuring particularly large quoins, with many of these stones measuring up to 2 feet (0.6 meters) high and between 3 to 4 feet (0.9 to 1.2 meters) long.

What evidence of early medieval carving has been found at Escomb Church?

During a restoration in 1880, several delicately carved fragments of cross-shafts were discovered. These fragments are of a high quality often attributed to the Hexham school of carving and were found embedded in the gables, likely from earlier restorations.

How much of the original Anglo-Saxon structure remains visible at Escomb Church?

Despite later additions, the church remains largely unchanged from its original construction. The majority of the windows, which are small and positioned high on the walls, are original Anglo-Saxon work. When viewed from the north side, the building appears as pure 7th-century architecture, with no later additions obscuring its original form.

What was the administrative status of Escomb Church until the 19th century?

Until the 19th century, Escomb Church functioned as a dependent chapelry of Bishop Auckland. This meant it was subordinate to the larger parish church in Bishop Auckland.

When was a vicarage built at Escomb, and what was its impact on the church's administration?

A vicarage was built at the top of the hill in 1848. Following this, the Reverend Henry Atkinson became Escomb's first resident vicar in centuries, marking a shift towards more independent parish administration.

What led to the construction of a new parish church at Escomb in the 19th century?

The original Anglo-Saxon church had a limited seating capacity of only 65 people. As Escomb's population grew in the 19th century, it outgrew the capacity of the old church, necessitating the construction of a new parish church, named St John's, which was completed in 1863 next to the new vicarage.

What happened to the Anglo-Saxon church after the new St John's church was built?

After the completion of St John's in 1863, the Anglo-Saxon church rapidly fell into disrepair. By 1867, it had lost a portion of its roof, indicating a period of neglect.

When was the first significant restoration of the Anglo-Saxon Escomb Church undertaken, and who consecrated its completion?

The Anglo-Saxon church underwent a restoration between 1875 and 1880, carried out by RJ Johnson at a cost of £500 to £550. The completion of this restoration was marked by a service in October 1880, presided over by Joseph Lightfoot, the Bishop of Durham.

What was the usage of the Anglo-Saxon church following its 1875-1880 restoration?

Despite the restoration, the building lacked heating and artificial lighting. Consequently, its use was limited to only a few services per year, typically held during the summer months from June to August.

When was the church restored again, and who presided over the rededication service?

The church's roof was again found to be in poor condition by 1904. Further restoration efforts took place in the 1920s. On June 1, 1927, Handley Moule, the Bishop of Durham, led a Eucharist service to celebrate the completion of this work.

What proposals were made for modernizing Escomb Church in the mid-20th century, and what was the outcome?

Proposals for installing electric lighting and heating were first recorded in 1940 and revived in 1944, along with gas heating. However, the Diocesan Advisory Committee objected, and the Diocese of Durham did not grant permission for these installations. Discussions about heating and lighting continued in 1950 but did not result in their implementation.

What plans were made for refurbishment in the 1960s, and who was the architect?

In 1960, following the appointment of a new vicar, Rev. Henry Lee, the parish agreed to refurbish the building. Sir Albert Richardson, an architect, prepared plans for the refurbishment, which included the installation of electric lighting and heating, along with a new altar and other furnishings. These plans were accepted by both the parish and the diocese in 1962.

What was the estimated cost of the 1960s refurbishment and modernization project?

The estimated cost for the restoration and modernization of Escomb Church in the 1960s was £6,500. The Historic Churches Preservation Trust contributed £500 towards this fund.

What decision was made regarding Escomb's two churches in the 1960s, and why?

In 1963, it was discovered that the newer St John's church, built only a century earlier, required repairs estimated at £6,500. Due to declining church attendance, the Diocesan Pastoral Committee determined that restoring both churches was not justifiable. They decided that the older Anglo-Saxon church should resume its role as the parish church, and St John's should be deconsecrated and demolished.

What was the final outcome regarding the parish church status and the fate of St John's church?

Although the proposed plan faced initial resistance from the then-vicar, Rev. Henry Lee, he retired in 1964. Subsequently, the diocese suspended the living, and the rural dean became the priest in charge. Restoration of the Anglo-Saxon church began in 1967. In December 1969, it officially reverted to being the parish church, and St John's was demolished in 1971.

What is the approximate distance and direction of Escomb Church from Bishop Auckland?

Escomb Church is located approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) west of Bishop Auckland.

Besides Escomb Church, what are the other three complete Anglo-Saxon churches remaining in England?

The other three complete Anglo-Saxon churches remaining in England are St Laurence's Church in Bradford-on-Avon, Greensted Church, and All Saints' Church in Brixworth.

What is the functional status of Escomb Church today?

Escomb Church is currently an active parish church.

What is the heritage designation date for Escomb Church?

Escomb Church was designated as a Grade I listed building on April 21, 1952.

What is the architectural style of Escomb Church?

The primary architectural style of Escomb Church is Anglo-Saxon.

What are the dimensions of the nave at Escomb Church?

The nave of Escomb Church measures 43 feet 6 inches (13.3 meters) in length and 14 feet 6 inches (4.4 meters) in width.

What are the dimensions of the walls of the nave at Escomb Church?

The walls of the nave at Escomb Church are 2 feet 4 inches (0.7 meters) thick and approximately 23 feet (7.0 meters) high.

What are the dimensions of the chancel at Escomb Church?

The chancel at Escomb Church is 10 feet (3.0 meters) square.

What are the dimensions of the chancel arch at Escomb Church?

The chancel arch is 5 feet 3 inches (1.6 meters) wide, and its apex is 15 feet (4.6 meters) above the nave floor.

What materials are specified for the construction of Escomb Church?

Escomb Church is built using squared sandstone, incorporating quoins. The stones are described as large and roughly dressed.

To which ecclesiastical province and diocese does Escomb Church belong?

Escomb Church belongs to the Province of York and the Diocese of Durham.

What archdeaconry is Escomb Church part of?

Escomb Church is part of the Archdeaconry of Auckland.

What is the previous denomination mentioned for Escomb Church?

The previous denomination listed for Escomb Church is Roman Catholic.

What is the official website for Escomb Saxon Church?

The official website for Escomb Saxon Church is escombchurch.co.uk.

What is the significance of the 'LEG VI' stone found at Escomb Church?

The stone marked 'LEG VI' signifies the presence of the Sixth Legion of the Roman army. Its reuse in the north wall of Escomb Church, set upside down, indicates the repurposing of Roman materials during the Anglo-Saxon construction period.

What is depicted in the Anglo-Saxon relief above the sundial on the south porch?

The Anglo-Saxon relief above the sundial projects an image of an animal's head.

What is visible inside the chancel arch, as suggested by the image caption?

The image caption suggests that there are traces of what may be Medieval paint visible on the chancel arch.

What is the purpose of the Wikimedia Commons link related to Escomb Church?

The Wikimedia Commons link provides access to various media files, such as images and other multimedia content, related to Escomb Church.

What is the historical connection between Escomb Church and Northman of Escomb?

Northman of Escomb was involved in the transfer of Escomb and its lands to St Cuthbert's of Lindisfarne, which later became Durham Cathedral. This indicates an early historical link between the church's land and significant religious institutions.

Escomb Church Wiki: Escomb's Enduring Stone: An Anglo-Saxon Chronicle

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Escomb Church: A Saxon Jewel

A Glimpse into the Past

Escomb Church, located in County Durham, stands as a remarkable survivor from the Anglo-Saxon period. Founded circa 675 AD, it is recognized as one of only four complete Anglo-Saxon churches remaining in England. Its exceptional preservation offers a unique window into the ecclesiastical architecture and construction techniques of the 7th century.

Historical Context

Erected during the Anglian Kingdom of Northumbria, the church's construction utilized materials quarried from the nearby Roman fort at Vinovia (modern Binchester). This practice of repurposing Roman stonework is a characteristic feature found in several early Anglo-Saxon ecclesiastical buildings, highlighting the continuity and adaptation of resources in the post-Roman era.

Significance and Status

Designated a Grade I listed building, Escomb Church is actively maintained as a parish church. Its architectural integrity has been preserved through various restorations, ensuring that its fundamental 7th-century structure remains largely intact, making it an invaluable site for historical and architectural study.

Architectural Foundations

Materials and Construction

The church is predominantly constructed from large, roughly dressed, squared sandstone blocks. Distinctive features include exceptionally large quoins, measuring up to 2 feet high and 3-4 feet long. Many of these stones bear evidence of Roman tooling, reinforcing the theory of their origin from the nearby Vinovia Roman fort.

Anglo-Saxon Proportions

The nave exhibits typical Anglo-Saxon proportions: narrow and tall, with walls approximately 2 feet 4 inches thick and reaching a height of about 23 feet. The chancel measures 10 feet square. The overall dimensions and construction methods align with ecclesiastical architecture dating between 650 and 800 AD.

Key Features

Notable elements include:

A 7th or early 8th-century sundial on the gable of the south porch.
A reused Roman stone inscribed "LEG VI" (Sixth Legion) set upside down on the north wall.
An Anglo-Saxon relief of an animal's head projecting above the sundial.
A tall, narrow chancel arch with massive jambs, simple imposts, and precisely-cut radial voussoirs, reminiscent of Roman gateway construction.
Fragments of high-quality Anglo-Saxon cross-shafts, possibly from the Hexham school, discovered during restorations.

Later Modifications

Evolution Over Centuries

While the core structure remains Anglo-Saxon, subsequent periods introduced modifications. The eaves were raised at an unspecified date, resulting in crow-stepped gables at each end of the nave. Simple Gothic windows were inserted in the 13th century, and the south porch was constructed in the 14th century. The 19th century saw further window insertions and the addition of a new door to the porch.

Detailed architectural measurements provide further insight into the church's scale:

Feature	Dimensions
Nave Length	43 ft 6 in (13.3 m)
Nave Width	14 ft 6 in (4.4 m)
Wall Thickness	2 ft 4 in (0.7 m)
Wall Height	Approx. 23 ft (7.0 m)
Chancel Dimensions	10 ft (3.0 m) square
Chancel Arch Height	15 ft (4.6 m)
Chancel Arch Width	5 ft 3 in (1.6 m)

Preserving the Original

Despite these later additions, the church retains a significant portion of its original Anglo-Saxon character. Viewed from the north side, the building appears almost entirely as it did in the 7th century. The majority of the windows, small and positioned high in the walls, are original Anglo-Saxon work, contributing to the church's remarkably unchanged appearance.

From Foundation to Modern Day

Early Years and Neglect

Founded around 670-675 AD, Escomb served as a dependent chapelry of Bishop Auckland until the 19th century. The construction of a new parish church, St John's, in 1863, alongside a new vicarage, led to the gradual neglect of the ancient Saxon structure. By 1867, parts of its roof had deteriorated.

Restoration Efforts

Significant restoration work occurred in 1875-1880, led by RJ Johnson, and again in the 1920s. These efforts aimed to preserve the building, though it continued to be used primarily for summer services due to the lack of modern amenities like heating and lighting. Proposals for installing electricity and heating were discussed multiple times from 1940 onwards but faced resistance from diocesan committees.

1875-1880: Major restoration completed by RJ Johnson.
1920s: Further restoration funded by parish fundraising.
1960-1962: Plans by Sir Albert Richardson accepted for refurbishment, including lighting and heating.
1967-1971: Final major restoration phase, leading to the Anglo-Saxon church becoming the parish church again, with the newer St John's church being demolished.

Re-establishment as Parish Church

In the 1960s, facing declining church attendance and the high cost of maintaining two buildings, a decision was made to reinstate the Anglo-Saxon church as the primary parish church. Following extensive refurbishment in the late 1960s, it officially reverted to this role in 1969, leading to the demolition of the 19th-century St John's church in 1971.

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References

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Escomb's Enduring Stone

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Escomb Church: A Saxon Jewel 💎

📜 A Glimpse into the Past

🌍 Historical Context

⭐ Significance and Status

Architectural Foundations 📐

🧱 Materials and Construction

🏛️ Anglo-Saxon Proportions

🪞 Key Features

Later Modifications ⏳

🏗️ Evolution Over Centuries

✨ Preserving the Original

From Foundation to Modern Day 🕰️

🌱 Early Years and Neglect

🛠️ Restoration Efforts

🔄 Re-establishment as Parish Church

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Escomb Church: A Saxon Jewel

A Glimpse into the Past

Historical Context

Significance and Status

Architectural Foundations

Materials and Construction

Anglo-Saxon Proportions

Key Features

Later Modifications

Evolution Over Centuries

Preserving the Original

From Foundation to Modern Day

Early Years and Neglect

Restoration Efforts

Re-establishment as Parish Church

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Important Notes

AI-Generated Content Disclaimer