St Michael & All Angels

This stunning ancient parish church is a place of revelation, hope and encounter where you will find 1000 years of Christianity and 4000 years of human history.

Houghton le Spring, Tyne & Wear

Opening times

Open from Easter to 31 October. Open from 11am to 1pm everyday except Sundays when it is open around service times or by appointment.

Address

Church Street
Houghton le Spring
Tyne & Wear
DH4 4DN

View map

54.8417843, -1.4689692

St Michael & All Angels is of Saxon foundation, the Saxon doorway and walls were discovered during excavations. There are hints of earlier non Christian worship: probable remains of a Roman temple are under the chancel and a whinstone boulder circle suggests a site of Neolithic worship. Today. you can see above ground a mix of Norman, Medieval and Victorian architecture. The present medieval building is set within a conservation area and together with the Kepier Hall and Almshouses is one of the finest examples of ecclesiastical complex in the region. St Michael & All Angels houses the tomb of Bernard Gilpin, the 'Apostle of the North'. Gilpin was Rector of Houghton from 1557 to 1583, a true disciple of Christ. Discover his love of the poor, his desire to provide schools, his courageous preaching and how he escaped a burning at the stake by Bloody Queen Mary. Discover more about Houghton's famous Rectors, Houghton Feast and the Houghton dragons. Why were there riots in the churchyard? And who was black Douglas?

  • Spectacular stained glass

  • Magnificent memorials

  • Glorious furnishings

  • Fascinating churchyard

  • Enchanting atmosphere

  • Captivating architecture

  • Walkers & cyclists welcome

  • Parking within 250m

  • Level access to the main areas

  • Dog friendly

  • Café within 500m

  • Bus stop within 100m

  • Accessible toilets in church

  • Church of England

  • Repair Grant, £6,500, 2007

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

Contact information

0191 5843487

Church website

Other nearby churches

St Mary the Virgin

West Rainton, County Durham

Consecrated in 1864 and featuring an artefact from the Great Pyramid of Ghizeh and a reredos by the Venetian Salviati.

St George Fatfield

Washington, Tyne & Wear

We are a friendly family church with a big heart, serving our community in many ways and hoping to do much more in the future.

St Laurence

Pittington, County Durham

One of County Durham's finest Norman churches with 12th century arcades, Norman font and a rare 12th century wall painting.

We do not own or manage any buildings

The information on this page is provided by the church and is correct when made live. Opening times and contact details may have changed, we recommend you check before making a special trip.

Search our map for other churches to visit