Church of St Bartholomew (Newbiggin-by-the-Sea)
Church of St Bartholomew, Newbiggin-by-the-Sea. Photo by Northumberland County Council, 1991.
The parish church appears to date from 13th century with the possibility of earlier fabric incorporated in the nave. Tower late 13th century, spire 14th century, 19th century renovation and restoration. (1)
Listing suggests pre-Conquest fabric. (2)
13th century church had north and south aisles, which were destroyed after the Middle Ages. North aisle rebuilt c.1910 and a chancel arch inserted. Thirteenth century features remaining include the arcades. plate tracery windows and beginning of the chancel south side.
After destruction in Middle Ages the church was left to decay for 300 years. Restoration in 20th century. (3)
Arcades of nave aisles c.1220, now built up. Thirteenth century tower has a short stone spire and is a well-known landmark at sea. Many grave covers from 13th century onwards. (4)
A watching brief was kept in April 1999 during works for floodlighting. Cable trenches were excavated along the north and south sides of the church and around and to the east of the tower. The trenches measured an average 200mm wide by 350mm deep; the light bases were 900mm square.
To the north of the church a probable medieval wall was discovered running north to south. It survived as a single course of squared and finely dressed sandstone ashlars above a well-cut chamfer course. Near to the vestry the wall returned to the east and the facing stone had been robbed. A mason's mark was noted, in the form of a simple cross. The top of the chamfer course lay 370mm below ground level. The medieval wall may the result of the late 13th century rebuilding. No in-situ burials were encountered.
It is suggested that from the sandy nature of the trenches it seems likely the church and churchyard are founded on sand dunes and that the upper 500mm of soil has accumulated as wind-blown sand in comparatively recent times. The build up may be deeper on the south side of the church. (5)
Additional references. (6)(7)
Church includes a series of war memorials as:
* a wooden board inscribed "IN PIOUS MEMORY/ OF/ DOMINIC ROE DATHY O'DALY, B.A. (OXON)/ 2ND LIEUT. 7TH NORTHD. FUSILIERS/ WHO FELL IN ACTION IN THE GREAT WAR NOV. 14TH 1916/ WHILST HOPING TO TAKE HOLY ORDERS./ ALSO OF ELEANOR MARY O'DALY (NEE NICHOLSON)/ HIS WIDOW, CALLE TO REST DEC. 26TH 1919./ THEY LOVED THE CHURCH GOD. R.I.P.".
* a carved wooden figure of the risen Christ located on the east wall of the Lady Chapel of the church in commemoration of the World War 1 and 2.
* a roll of honour for the World War 1 dead who came from the Newbiggin-by-the-Sea area.
* a framed and glazed roll of honour for the World War 2 dead who came from the Newbiggin-by-the-Sea area. (8)(9)(10)(11)
Listing suggests pre-Conquest fabric. (2)
13th century church had north and south aisles, which were destroyed after the Middle Ages. North aisle rebuilt c.1910 and a chancel arch inserted. Thirteenth century features remaining include the arcades. plate tracery windows and beginning of the chancel south side.
After destruction in Middle Ages the church was left to decay for 300 years. Restoration in 20th century. (3)
Arcades of nave aisles c.1220, now built up. Thirteenth century tower has a short stone spire and is a well-known landmark at sea. Many grave covers from 13th century onwards. (4)
A watching brief was kept in April 1999 during works for floodlighting. Cable trenches were excavated along the north and south sides of the church and around and to the east of the tower. The trenches measured an average 200mm wide by 350mm deep; the light bases were 900mm square.
To the north of the church a probable medieval wall was discovered running north to south. It survived as a single course of squared and finely dressed sandstone ashlars above a well-cut chamfer course. Near to the vestry the wall returned to the east and the facing stone had been robbed. A mason's mark was noted, in the form of a simple cross. The top of the chamfer course lay 370mm below ground level. The medieval wall may the result of the late 13th century rebuilding. No in-situ burials were encountered.
It is suggested that from the sandy nature of the trenches it seems likely the church and churchyard are founded on sand dunes and that the upper 500mm of soil has accumulated as wind-blown sand in comparatively recent times. The build up may be deeper on the south side of the church. (5)
Additional references. (6)(7)
Church includes a series of war memorials as:
* a wooden board inscribed "IN PIOUS MEMORY/ OF/ DOMINIC ROE DATHY O'DALY, B.A. (OXON)/ 2ND LIEUT. 7TH NORTHD. FUSILIERS/ WHO FELL IN ACTION IN THE GREAT WAR NOV. 14TH 1916/ WHILST HOPING TO TAKE HOLY ORDERS./ ALSO OF ELEANOR MARY O'DALY (NEE NICHOLSON)/ HIS WIDOW, CALLE TO REST DEC. 26TH 1919./ THEY LOVED THE CHURCH GOD. R.I.P.".
* a carved wooden figure of the risen Christ located on the east wall of the Lady Chapel of the church in commemoration of the World War 1 and 2.
* a roll of honour for the World War 1 dead who came from the Newbiggin-by-the-Sea area.
* a framed and glazed roll of honour for the World War 2 dead who came from the Newbiggin-by-the-Sea area. (8)(9)(10)(11)
N12051
Post Medieval (1540 to 1901)
Victorian (1837 to 1901)
20th Century (1901 to 2000)
Early 20th Century (1901 to 1932)
Medieval (1066 to 1540)
Victorian (1837 to 1901)
20th Century (1901 to 2000)
Early 20th Century (1901 to 1932)
Medieval (1066 to 1540)
WATCHING BRIEF, St. Bartholomew's Church, Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, watching brief 1999; Northern Counties Archaeological Services
Disclaimer -
Please note that this information has been compiled from a number of different sources. Durham County Council and Northumberland County Council can accept no responsibility for any inaccuracy contained therein. If you wish to use/copy any of the images, please ensure that you read the Copyright information provided.