Kirkwhelpington
Kirkwhelpington, St. Bartholomew
Church Buildings
These are the main landmarks in the history of the church:
13th century – The present church was built on the site of an earlier Norman Church. It was restored after being sacked and burnt in border raids. The building originally had aisles and transepts.
Look out for the 13th century West Arch with its magnificent zigzag ornamentation. Fragments of the early church are incorporated into the west arch wall.
14th century – The two bells date from then, a treble dedicated to St Michael, a three hundredweight, and a tenor dedicated to the Virgin Mary, a four hundredweight.
15th century – The south door and porch were put in (look out for the lovely filleting and nail head ornamentation) and the distinctive tower had buttresses added.
4th and 15th century gravestones are arranged around the church windows, some as sills, some above and others vertically.
1896 – Alterations included a window in the East Wall behind the altar.
1980 – The United Benefice with Cambo and Kirkheaton was formed. The former Vicarage was sold, the new one built on church grounds.
2003 – Extensive repair work was carried out to secure the tower.
FEATURES
The mahogany pulpit dates from 1797.
Stained Glass Windows
"The saints are those through whom the light shines." The stained glass windows include work by Heaton, Butler and Bayne (1909 and 1914). There is also a commemorative modern clear glass window beside the organ.
Famous people connected to this church
Rev John Hodgson wrote his History of Northumberland during his time here as Vicar (1823–1834).
The great engineer and inventor Sir Charles Algernon Parsons (1854-