Church Buildings
Kirkharle
These are the main landmarks in the history of the church:
14th century – The present church, consecrated in the 14th century, was built on the site of an earlier church of which no trace remains. In 1336 two chantries with piscina (stone basin) and aumbreys (recessed cupboards) on either side of the nave were founded in the church by Sir William de Herle (or Harle).
Look out for the three medieval sedilia in the south wall of the chancel and a piscina with a projecting basin.
5th century – Having fallen into disrepair, the church was restored in the early 15th century by the daughters of the owner of Kirkharle, William Del Strother. When one of these daughters, Johanna, married Edward Loraine, ownership passed to him.
18th century – Thomas Loraine timbered the chancel with Irish oak and roofed it with lead. His son Sir William, as well as adding west gable, porch and bell cope, covered the earthen floor with freestone flags, the parishioners doing the same in the nave. In the late 1780s, the leaden roof was replaced by one of blue slate, and the bell turret and porch were rebuilt.
1884 – The current font was put in.
Look out for the shields of old Northumbrian families on the eight sides of the font.
1980 – The United Benefice with Cambo and Kirkheaton was formed.
FEATURES
The font dates from the 15th or 16th century and was rescued from All Saints' Church, Newcastle when that church was destroyed. In 1833 the font was acquired from a Newcastle antiquarian by Major George Anderson and taken to Little Harle Tower by his successor Thomas Anderson, until in 1884 George Anderson placed it in the church.
Memorial to Capability Brown – right side
Kirkharle was the birthplace of Lancelot Brown (1716-
Kirkharle