Christian heritage

The District of Easington boasts a wealth of Christian heritage with a trail detailing in depth, four of the oldest churches in the country.  A book produced by the district council titled "Winds of Change", explores the history of the district through the eyes of these four churches. A taster of our Christian Heritage can be seen in these brief outlines. As well as these four old magnificent churches, another newer church in the district, of national significance is the Church of Ascension at Easington Colliery.

St Mary the Virgin, Seaham

St Mary's has its roots in the very earliest Christian movement.  It sits in close proximity to Seaham Hall and the cliffs of the coastline.  It has superb stained glass windows featuring figures created in a pre-Raphaelite style by the artist Kempe.  The church has a 13th Century tower, Tudor battlements and an intriguing churchyard.  It has stood through the time of Lord Byron's marriage to Annabella Milbanke, was witness to the building of a railway and a harbour and has seen the many changing faces of Seaham Hall. The church is accessible from May - September, Wednesdays and Saturdays between 2pm and 4pm. For services and access for groups contact Mr Armbrister, the Churchwarden on (0191) 5346492.

St Mary the Virgin, Easington

The wooden carving throughout this church is superb and there are also many fine stained glass windows.  From it's location at the west end of the Saxon village layout St Mary's has played a large part in the district's history.  It lies opposite Seaton Holme, which was the administrative centre of successive Archdeacons (second in command to the Bishop of Durham) during the time of the Prince Bishops.  It saw the arrival of Lewis Carroll, who after meeting Alice Liddell (whose grandfather, the Rev George Liddell was the Rector of Easington) had the inspiration for his finest work. The church is open between May and September, Friday, Saturday and Sunday between 10am and 4pm.  For access and details of services contact Mr D. Bowers on (0191) 5272115.

St Andrew's, Dalton-le-Dale

This 13th Century church in it's secluded location is home to a most unusual Roman numeral sundial, a bell tower, and has connections with the family of our Queen Mother.  Due to it's secluded location, the church has remained relatively free from damage over the years and Oliver Cromwell and his soldiers failed to notice Dalton-le-Dale thanks to it's shelter from the trees. In the church stands a carved alabaster figure of Sir William Bowes, and the Bowes connection is strong in this area due to Sir William having married the daughter of Robert de Dalton of Dalden Towers.  Dalden Towers, near to St Andrew's, still remains but in ruins.  It's full life had been as a high-walled stronghold with chapel and courtyard, built with stones from the nearby beck. For opening times and access please contact Ken Carter, the Churchwarden on (0191) 5270270.

St James, Castle Eden

This church remembers the people of influence in the area in it's impressive stained glass windows.  You can see tribute to the Burdon family, the family who in 1758 began landscaping Castle Eden Dene into a romantic area re-creating the idealised scenery of Italy.  The Nimmo family are also remembered here.  Again an industrious family, the Nimmos began brewing beer in 1826 and Castle Eden Brewery produced some of the most popular beer in the country.  The church entrance frames the drive and magnificent wrought iron gates.  For opening times and access contact Rev Liddell on (0191) 5864202 or Jack Johnson, the Churchwarden on (01429) 836485.

Church of the Ascension, Easington Colliery

This church was built in 1929 to replace the original small wooden church and is well worth a visit.  What makes it of national significance is its possession of an altar and of a screen both designed by the celebrated ecclesiastical architects, Sir Ninian & J Sebastian Comper.  Even by Comper's high standards these items are particularly beautiful.  Other interesting features in the church are the pews and the bishop's chair by Robert "Mousey" Thompson of Kilburn Furniture and the most recent arrival - a newly renovated, 19th century Harrison and Harrison Pipe Organ.  The church can be viewed on Fridays from 9.30am to noon.  For further information contact Mrs Bridges on (0191) 5270828.