CountyDurhamSTANHOPEStThomasApostle(robertcuttsCC-BY-2.0)1 RobertCutts

St Thomas the Apostle

Historic St Thomas's church and fossil tree is in Stanhope, an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Stanhope, County Durham

Opening times

Open from Easter to mid September. Please refer to website for opening times.

Address

Market Place
Stanhope
County Durham
DL13 2UP

St Thomas dates from about 1200 AD and occupies a prominent place on the north side of the market place in the town of Stanhope in Weardale. Weardale is part of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and European Geopark (an area with globally important geology). The famous fossil tree, two hundred and fifty million years old, stands in the churchyard. Historically, because of income from lead mining, Stanhope used to be the richest living in England. Many Bishops of Durham were also Rector of Stanhope. Inside the church are many items of interest, including a Roman altar with inscription, a Saxon font and a Frosterley marble font. The Victorian west window includes 14th to 16th century glass of national importance from the original west window. We have accessible records of burials together with a map showing all the grave plots in the churchyard, making it easy for people in search of their family history.

  • Spectacular stained glass

  • Magnificent memorials

  • Glorious furnishings

  • Fascinating churchyard

  • Enchanting atmosphere

  • Captivating architecture

  • Walkers & cyclists welcome

  • Parking within 250m

  • On street parking at church

  • Level access to the main areas

  • Dog friendly

  • Café within 500m

  • Bus stop within 100m

  • Church of England

  • Repair Grant, £2,500, 2009

  • Our Repair Grants funded urgent repair work to help keep churches open.

Contact information

Other nearby churches

St Helen

Auckland, County Durham

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St Edmund

Edmundbyers, County Durham

Our small stone church has an interesting history, a peaceful churchyard and attractive views.