Church of St Oswald (Wall)
Church of St Oswald, Heavenfield.
[NY 9369 6955] St. Oswald's Church [T.U.] (1)
This is 18th century and later. It is mentioned in 1310 as being in need of repair, and a survey of c.1715 noted that it was roofless. In 1737 it was rebuilt or largely repaired; this date appears on a sundial. (2)(3)
There is a late 2nd, or early 3rd century Roman altar inside the church. It is 4ft 6ins high and stands against the north wall. The inscription has perished, but on the sides are visible the sacrificial cleaver, the paten and a vine branch: along the base is a border of grapes and in the top is a socket hole. The altar has been used as the base of a cross commemorating the battle of Heaven Fields (NY 96 NW 32). In 1807 it was lying in the churchyard and for a time was used as a gatepost. Between 1825-51 it was removed to Brunton House (NY 923698) and finally in 1949, placed in the church. (4)
The church is in use; some carved stones lying in the south porch are the only visible remains of an earlier building. The Roman altar, as described, is still in the church. (5)
No change. (6)
Part of plain cross-shaft, in two joining pieces. Located inside church. Measures 1.45m x c.0.26m x c.0.20m. Incomplete and damaged by reuse. Plain and smoothly dressed faces, possibly to resemble wood - traditional site of Oswald's first wooden cross erected in Northumberland.
Cross base located in church. Measures 1.42m x 0.6m x 0.37m, Worn. Roman altar in which the top has been recut to form a cross socket. Roman decoration (and Anglo-Saxon?). Roman, possibly reused in 7th century. (7)
(The Roman altar is now recorded under NY 96 NW 57). (8)
General association with HER 8573 (Battle of Heavenfield), HER XXXXX (Roman altar), HER 22374 (churchyard wall). (8)
This is 18th century and later. It is mentioned in 1310 as being in need of repair, and a survey of c.1715 noted that it was roofless. In 1737 it was rebuilt or largely repaired; this date appears on a sundial. (2)(3)
There is a late 2nd, or early 3rd century Roman altar inside the church. It is 4ft 6ins high and stands against the north wall. The inscription has perished, but on the sides are visible the sacrificial cleaver, the paten and a vine branch: along the base is a border of grapes and in the top is a socket hole. The altar has been used as the base of a cross commemorating the battle of Heaven Fields (NY 96 NW 32). In 1807 it was lying in the churchyard and for a time was used as a gatepost. Between 1825-51 it was removed to Brunton House (NY 923698) and finally in 1949, placed in the church. (4)
The church is in use; some carved stones lying in the south porch are the only visible remains of an earlier building. The Roman altar, as described, is still in the church. (5)
No change. (6)
Part of plain cross-shaft, in two joining pieces. Located inside church. Measures 1.45m x c.0.26m x c.0.20m. Incomplete and damaged by reuse. Plain and smoothly dressed faces, possibly to resemble wood - traditional site of Oswald's first wooden cross erected in Northumberland.
Cross base located in church. Measures 1.42m x 0.6m x 0.37m, Worn. Roman altar in which the top has been recut to form a cross socket. Roman decoration (and Anglo-Saxon?). Roman, possibly reused in 7th century. (7)
(The Roman altar is now recorded under NY 96 NW 57). (8)
General association with HER 8573 (Battle of Heavenfield), HER XXXXX (Roman altar), HER 22374 (churchyard wall). (8)
N8578
FIELD OBSERVATION, Ordnance Survey Archaeology Division Field Investigation 1956; A S Phillips
FIELD OBSERVATION, Ordnance Survey Archaeology Division Field Investigation 1966; R W Emsley
FIELD OBSERVATION, Ordnance Survey Archaeology Division Field Investigation 1966; R W Emsley
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