Early Churches of the Tyne Valley
The Tyne valley is well-provided with churches that have significant Anglo-Saxon features either incorporated in the architectural fabric or as sculptural objects, or indeed both. Many AA members have a strong interest in the material culture of the early medieval period and so on 17th July an intrepid party boarded a coach at Prudhoe Railway Station and set off on a day-long voyage of exploration. We were ably guided by member Alan Newham whose passion for early churches is well-known in the group. Starting at Heddon-on-the-Wall the tour also took in Ovingham with it's magnificent tower, the twin churches of Bywell, Corbridge, the crypt of St Wilfred's church beneath Hexham Abbey and ended at Warden with it's amazing Anglo-Saxon tower and standing-cross.
Alan's knowledge of Anglo-Saxon churches is encyclopaedic and we went home with our heads spinning with quoins (long and short, face alternate, side alternate, dovetail and clasping!), arches, lancet windows, tympani and many other architectural features too numerous to mention. Thanks Alan for an entertaining and informative day which was enjoyed by all.
If you missed out on Alan's trip, which was oversubscribed, we are hoping to persuade him to do a repeat run in the near future. Also don't miss Alan's follow-up talk on Anglo-Saxon Church Architecture which will delivered at our meeting on Saturday October 12th.
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| Hendon-On-The-Wall, chancel and sanctuary |
Ovingham |
| Click Images to Enlarge |
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| Bywell, St Andrews |
Alan introducing us to the finer points of quoins at Heddon |
| News Record: 52 Updated: 14-02-2023 07:49:19 |
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