Escomb Church, Escomb, County Durham

[Rebal62]

It is not known for certain who built Escomb Church; when it was built; or why it was built in this particular location. The first written evidence to the village of 'EDICUM' dates to the end of the 10th century when the village was mortgaged by the Bishop of Durham to some Viking earls (it was later returned). However, various architectural and archaeological evidence suggest a much earlier date of construction; sometime between 670 and 690 A.D. seems likely. The general shape and style of the building suggest that it could not have been constructed later than the end of the 7th century, and that it belongs to the earliest period of Northumbrian Christianity.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v227/Reb_Al/Explorer/D-462.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v227/Reb_Al/Explorer/D-466.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v227/Reb_Al/Explorer/D-468.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v227/Reb_Al/Explorer/D-470.jpg

Porch Sundial thought to be early 17th century. Situated above the entrance to the porch

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v227/Reb_Al/Explorer/D-478.jpg

There are many 18th century gravestones in the circular churchyard.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v227/Reb_Al/Explorer/D-482.jpg

The Chancel Arch is believed to be a re-assembled Roman arch from the nearby remains of the Roman Fort at Binchester. The quality of the stonework is so fine that no mortar was needed. The plastered underside of the arch has traces of abstract 'scroll-work', thought to be 12th or 13th century. The supports for the arch show the distinctive "Escomb Style -long and short" stonework

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v227/Reb_Al/Explorer/D-473.jpg

The main cross beams in the roof were chronologically dated in 1993 by Northumbria University, and were found to be around the period 1480-1490. Their style of construction is known as 'vernacular', but there are significant differences to those in the nave and those in the sanctuary

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v227/Reb_Al/Explorer/D-475.jpg

[Clough]

I built it for shits and gig's, love a good church shame what there purpose is thou

[blinkscott182]

nice looking building, i love that pirate gravestone :)

[Krypton]

Thats a nice little church - i wouldnt fancy sitting through a service in there though it looks freezing!

[myke]

That gravestone shot is brill never seen one like that anyone know what the writing says underneath? (latin???)

[KingElvis]

That tomb stone is ace.