Chantry of St Thomas the Martyr (Prudhoe)
The early history of the Chantry of St Thomas the Archbishop in Prudhoe is obscure. There is an ancient arch built into the wall of Prudhoe Grange (NZ 09606267) which the late C J Bates conjectured to belong to the building and to date from the 13th century (a); but the first document which may refer to the chantry is dated 28.4.1340 when Gilbert d'Umfraville III obtained licence to found a chantry of £10 for two priests (b). No place is mentioned and the chantry in Prudhoe seems to have had only one priest. The chapel is mentioned in 1501, 1538 and in 1548. (1)
In Prudhoe, on the brow of a hill, is a farmhouse containing a doorway with Early English mouldings. This house, The Grange, occupies the site of, and is built out of, the remains of the chantry chapel of St Thomas the Martyr. (1-3)
[NZ 09606267] The Early English doorway is in the south wall of a modern building known as The Grange, which is sub-divided into flats. It appears to be original and not an insert. Portions of stone mullions lie around the garden, but these are modern. The tenant of the west flat, Mrs Watson, informed me that all the undressed stone lying around the back garden have been dug up from an old rockery, and that the stone mullions were dug out of the garden.
To the east of the Grange is a row of houses known as St Thomas's Terrace. (4)
Condition unchanged. (5)
The Grange and West Grange, formerly known as Prudhoe Grange. Grade II listed building. House now divided into two. 13th century with later medieval alterations. Additions and extensive remodelling in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The walls are 4ft thick. A 13th century doorway at left with a medieval stone crowned head above the arch.
Interior has medieval external masonry exposed, including blocked window and wood lintel, in bathroom. Other masonry, including a 16th century fireplace, exposed in bedroom.
The 13th century doorway is probably in situ and may have been the south door of a church. (6)
The 13th century doorway is said to have come from Ovingham, but it is possible that the doorway is in situ as there is a chantry chapel documented at Prudhoe. (7)
Farmhouse built from the ruins of an old chapel. It supposedly owes its origin to Richard de Umfraville. (8)
In Prudhoe, on the brow of a hill, is a farmhouse containing a doorway with Early English mouldings. This house, The Grange, occupies the site of, and is built out of, the remains of the chantry chapel of St Thomas the Martyr. (1-3)
[NZ 09606267] The Early English doorway is in the south wall of a modern building known as The Grange, which is sub-divided into flats. It appears to be original and not an insert. Portions of stone mullions lie around the garden, but these are modern. The tenant of the west flat, Mrs Watson, informed me that all the undressed stone lying around the back garden have been dug up from an old rockery, and that the stone mullions were dug out of the garden.
To the east of the Grange is a row of houses known as St Thomas's Terrace. (4)
Condition unchanged. (5)
The Grange and West Grange, formerly known as Prudhoe Grange. Grade II listed building. House now divided into two. 13th century with later medieval alterations. Additions and extensive remodelling in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The walls are 4ft thick. A 13th century doorway at left with a medieval stone crowned head above the arch.
Interior has medieval external masonry exposed, including blocked window and wood lintel, in bathroom. Other masonry, including a 16th century fireplace, exposed in bedroom.
The 13th century doorway is probably in situ and may have been the south door of a church. (6)
The 13th century doorway is said to have come from Ovingham, but it is possible that the doorway is in situ as there is a chantry chapel documented at Prudhoe. (7)
Farmhouse built from the ruins of an old chapel. It supposedly owes its origin to Richard de Umfraville. (8)
N10122
FIELD OBSERVATION, Ordnance Survey Archaeology Division Field Investigation 1954; J H Ostridge
FIELD OBSERVATION, Ordnance Survey Archaeology Division Field Investigation 1966; R W Emsley
FIELD OBSERVATION, Ordnance Survey Archaeology Division Field Investigation 1966; R W Emsley
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.