Durham Dales

The Religious Legacy

Visitors to Wear Valley can discover the religious heritage of the area by exploring its variety of elegant and historic churches. One of the finest examples of early Christian architecture in Northern Europe, is the restored 7th Century Escomb Church. Built of stone robbed from Binchester Roman Fort, the walls of the church bear Roman motifs and inscriptions.

Parts of the magnificent Auckland Castle, the principal residence of the Prince Bishops and now the official residence of the Bishop of Durham, are open to the public including the centrepiece of the castle, the Chapel of St. Peter. Originally built as a banqueting hall and converted in the 17th Century, it is one of the largest private chapels in Europe.

Elsewhere, there is much to be admired in many of the other fine churches throughout the area. St. Andrew’s Church, South Church, Bishop Auckland is believed to have been built by Augustine monks almost entirely in the 13th Century. The 12th Century Church of St. Thomas, Stanhope is described by many as the little Cathedral of the Dale and even has a 250 million year old fossilised tree stump in the churchyard. Although a relatively new church, the 19th Century St. Peter’s Church in Bishop Auckland is a Grade II listed building and is where the most famous son of Bishop Auckland, Stan Laurel, was baptised.

Wear Valley witnessed a growing popularity of Methodism in the 18th Century and many chapels were built throughout the area by followers. High House Chapel, Ireshopeburn was founded in 1760 and is one of the oldest Methodist Chapels in continuous use and is from where John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Church, peached whilst visiting the area.

Who could stay in the Durham Dales without taking a trip to one of the finest cathedrals in England, the magnificent Norman built Durham Cathedral in nearby Durham City. The impressive architecture and historical importance of the cathedral and the adjacent Durham Castle is recognised by its designation as a World Heritage Site. Also in Durham and well worth a visit are the remains of the 13th Century Benedictine Finchale Priory, whilst in a picturesque location near Barnard Castle lay the ruins of Egglestone Abbey and Raby Estate.

Places to visit in Wear Valley:
• Escomb Church
• Weardale Museum and High House Chapel
• St Peter’s Church
• Church of St. Thomas
• Auckland Castle
• St Catherine’s Church