St.Thomas church Stanhope County Durham,Northumberland
N 54° 44.877 W 002° 00.381
30U E 563959 N 6067197
The church of St.Thomas at Stanhope is an ancient building standing in an elevated position at the North of the town.
The church was built in 1200.
Waymark Code: WM5711
Location: United Kingdom
Date Posted: 11/21/2008
Views: 18
The ancient church of St.Thomas is also known as "The little cathedral of the Dale".
The parish was one of the wealthiest in England up to the last century and produced many bishops.
The church is mainly of the Norman period,the oldest parts being the lower structure of the tower,there have been restorations and additions over the centuries,the church consists of a nave,aisles,chancel,South porch and Western tower,the chantry chapel at the end of the South aisle was added around 1225.
(from History,Topography and Directory of Durham,Whellan, London 1894)
The church is a Grade II listed building.
The church has a Roman alter in the vestry.
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Also of interest is that in the churchyard is a fossilised tree which is over 250 million years old.
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