Church of St Oswald, Church Street, Durham 2000


Church of St Oswald 2000


Church of St Oswald 2004


St Oswald's Church. Image courtesy of PF Ryder

Church built of coursed, squared sandstone with ashlar dressings. The church is of late 12th century origin and originally consisted of a nave of the present dimensions and a western tower. In the mid 14th century, possibly after a fire in 1347, the chancel and aisles were rebuilt. Much of the evidence for this phase has been destroyed by the rebuilding in 1834. In the late 14th century, or circa 1400, the tower was remodelled and the western bays of the arcades were reconstructed. Circa 1415 the clerestory was added to the nave. The 1834 reconstruction was carried out by Ignatius Bonomi, the walls of the chancel, south aisle and the western part of the north aisle were taken down and rebuilt, and the present choir vestry was built. In 1864 the east end of the church was again rebuilt and the organ chamber was added. The 1834 vestry was extended in 1883, the present clergy vestry was added at this time. The church was repaired following fire damage in 1985. The building contained late 10th-early 11th century cross fragments which are now held in the Library.

It is a Grade II* Listed Building protected by law.

The church is known to contain a number of features dedicated as war memorials (2-3).