St Peter's Church, Bishopton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Peter's Church, Bishopton |
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St Peter's Church, Bishopton, from the northwest
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| OS grid reference | NZ 365 212 |
| Location | High Street, Bishopton, County Durham |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Anglican |
| Website | Stockton Country Parishes |
| History | |
| Status | Parish church |
| Dedication | Saint Peter |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Heritage designation | Grade II |
| Designated | 27 January 1988 |
| Architect(s) | Sharpe and Paley |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Style | Gothic, Gothic Revival |
| Groundbreaking | 13th century (probable) |
| Completed | 1847 |
| Specifications | |
| Materials | Sandstone with some limestone, slate roofs |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Bishopton |
| Deanery | Stockton |
| Archdeaconry | Auckland |
| Diocese | Durham |
| Province | York |
St Peter's Church is a beautiful old church located in the village of Bishopton, County Durham, England. It is an active Anglican church, which means it belongs to the Church of England. It serves as the main church for the local area, known as a parish church. The church is also recognized as a Grade II listed building, meaning it's an important historical structure.
Contents
History of St Peter's Church
When Was the Church Built?
The church likely started being built way back in the 13th century, which is the 1200s. Imagine how old that is!
How the Church Changed Over Time
In the years 1846 and 1847, the church was mostly rebuilt. This work was done by architects named Sharpe and Paley from Lancaster. They also added a new section called a north aisle and a tall tower to the church.
What Does St Peter's Church Look Like?
Building Materials and Design
St Peter's Church is mostly made from sandstone. Some parts, like the chancel (the area around the altar), use limestone. The roofs are covered with green slate.
The church has a main area called the nave with three sections, and a north aisle next to it. At the west end, there's a tall tower. The chancel has two sections, with a room for the organ on its north side.
The Church Tower
The tower has three levels. It has a door on the west side and strong corner supports called buttresses. There's also a round staircase tower at the southwest corner. On the west side of the tower, you can see a clock. The top level has openings for the church bells. The very top of the tower has a battlemented parapet, which looks like the top of a castle wall.
You can also spot some older pieces built into the tower's west side. These include a fragment from a medieval grave-slab and a small carved space called a niche.
Windows and Other Features
The west end of the church has a window with three sections. At the east end, there are three tall, narrow windows called lancet windows, arranged in steps. On the south wall of the church, there's another old medieval grave-slab. You can also find a diamond-shaped sundial from 1776, which tells time using the sun.
Inside, the church is quite simple with plastered walls. The font, used for baptisms, is very old, dating back to the 13th century. The reredos, a decorated screen behind the altar, was added in 1889. It's made from Caen stone and marble.
Outside the Church
Churchyard Features
In the churchyard, there's an old grave headstone made of sandstone from 1786. It has a carving of an angel's head with wings and some leaves. This headstone is also listed as Grade II, meaning it's historically important.
You can also find the remains of a medieval village cross in the churchyard. This cross is also listed at Grade II.
See also
- List of works by Sharpe and Paley
