This beautiful Saxon church is a hidden gem nestling in the rolling countryside of mid Northumberland, an oasis of calm in todays world of noise and rush. Spirituality and a sense of peace seem to seep from its ancient stones.
Bolam, Northumberland
St Andrew's dates back to Saxon times. The tower is of a late Saxon period but the interior is largely Norman with the arcading dated to 1180-1200. The quatrefoil piers with their broad moulded capitals are unique to St Andrew's.
The south door and the eastern section of the chancel are 13th century, the gothic windows in the south aisle date from the 18th century. During the Second World War a German bomb was dropped and lodged under the Dent chapel fortunately it did not explode. The late Leonard Evetts created the leaded window which recalls the event. The bomber pilot returned some 60 years later to apologise, an event which made the national newspapers.
There are several interesting grave slabs in the church including a splendid effigy of Sir Robert de Reymes who fought in the Scottish wars of the late 12th and early 13th centuries.
Whalton, Northumberland
Largely medieval, the church is in an attractive idyllic setting within the village and is grade I listed with very early memorials and fine examples of monuments in its Ogle Chapel and a single hand turret clock dated 1796.
Kirkharle, Northumberland
Enjoy a gentle walk from the courtyard to discover this simple but beautiful 14th century church, built in the Decorated style.
Mitford, Northumberland
This church, positioned opposite the remains of Mitford castle, dates from 1135 and houses an historic bell and leper squint.
