Egglestone Abbey
Barnard Castle, County Durham
The charming ruins of a small monastery of Premonstratensian 'white canons', picturesquely set above a bend in the River Tees near Barnard Castle.
Like so many churches, St Giles has had many restorations over the years including in the 19th century when the porch was added. Look above the doorway and spot the carving of the Crucifixion with the figures of the Virgin and St John.
Possibly the most interesting claim to fame is the fact St Giles has two fonts. The first is a large 12th century stone bowl with an incised zig-zag around the top. It sits on a 13th century stem which is believed to have belonged to the other font! This one is smaller in size and the stone bowl is decorated with three carved scrolls with leaves. This second font stands on a base from a Roman altar.
