Escomb Saxon Church

Description

The church at Escomb is enclosed by a circular stone wall, which indicates that there was a Celtic spiritual community there before the church was built. It is likely that this would have been a historic spiritual gathering place, set on the crossing-place of an ancient track along the River Wear and a ford across the river. The five springs on the hill above would also have attracted settlers and may well have been thought sacred.

The church building is dated about 670 AD and the structure has changed little in 13 centuries. A Roman altar stone and other artefacts were built in to the original walls.

This is the most unspoilt British church of those founded around the time of the Synod of Whitby in 664 AD.

The churchyard is peaceful and has a view of the village centre.

Standard opening times: Sunday Service is at 11am. 1st Sunday of the month Celtic Worship at 4pm. (When the church is locked the keys are available hanging out side house No 28 behind the church)

Location

Saxon Green, Escomb, Bishop Auckland, Durham, DL14 7SX, United Kingdom

Directions

Grid reference: NZ 188 300
By car: A1M then various routes from north or south. A66 from West. The church is in Escomb village, a no through road off the B6282/4 one and a half miles West of Bishop Auckland. (Take the signs to Etherley and the turn off for Escomb is on the right just after a garage on the left and just before the sign for Etherley Grange/Low Etherley.) There are brown signs from the other direction off the A68 between High Etherley and Witton le Wear.

By public transport (rail/bus): Rail to Bishop Auckland then bus to Escomb

By bicycle: Escomb Saxon Church is close to Regional Route 52, which is part of the W2W Cycle Route.

Facilities

Disabled Access: There is full wheelchair access to the churchyard and the porch which has an historical exhibition. However there are 2 shallow steps into the church. It is very possible to take a wheelchair down these steps but this needs an able bodied helper.
There are Toilet facilities in nearby pub.
Refreshments can be found in the village and there are some great B&B's in Hamsterley for those wanting to stay.
Quiet days can be arranged by phoning the Hospitaller.

Find us on Facebook - Escomb Saxon Church

Hospitaller/Contact Person

Gill Beddow,
10 Holywell Grove
Bishop Auckland
DL14 0SJ

Tel: 01388 602860

Email:

Web Link

http://www.escombsaxonchurch.co.uk

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