Featured: Current Archaeology Book of the Year 2019!

Current Archaeology Book of the Year 2019!

Megaliths, Stones of Memory

Megaliths, Stones of Memory

Who's Online

There are currently, 359 guests and 4 members online.

You are a guest. To join in, please register for free by clicking here

Sponsors

<< Our Photo Pages >> St Bartholomew's Church (Newbiggin by the Sea) - Ancient Cross in England in Northumberland

Submitted by Anne T on Friday, 28 September 2018  Page Views: 2893

Early Medieval (Dark Age)Site Name: St Bartholomew's Church (Newbiggin by the Sea)
Country: England
NOTE: This site is 0.972 km away from the location you searched for.

County: Northumberland Type: Ancient Cross
Nearest Town: Newbiggin by the Sea
Map Ref: NZ3178588024
Latitude: 55.185486N  Longitude: 1.502364W
Condition:
5Perfect
4Almost Perfect
3Reasonable but with some damage
2Ruined but still recognisable as an ancient site
1Pretty much destroyed, possibly visible as crop marks
0No data.
-1Completely destroyed
4 Ambience:
5Superb
4Good
3Ordinary
2Not Good
1Awful
0No data.
4 Access:
5Can be driven to, probably with disabled access
4Short walk on a footpath
3Requiring a bit more of a walk
2A long walk
1In the middle of nowhere, a nightmare to find
0No data.
5 Accuracy:
5co-ordinates taken by GPS or official recorded co-ordinates
4co-ordinates scaled from a detailed map
3co-ordinates scaled from a bad map
2co-ordinates of the nearest village
1co-ordinates of the nearest town
0no data
5

Internal Links:
External Links:

I have visited· I would like to visit

Anne T visited Ancient cross slabs, Newbiggin by the Sea: The website for St. Bartholomew’s announces that the church “has one of the most important collections of coffin lids and grave markers in the county, mostly re-set during the 1913 restoration, when the north aisle, demolished in antiquity, was reinstated. Other fragments are distributed around the church and in the South porch. There are around 20 pieces in all. Most of the slabs are of late twelfth or thirteenth century date; several show signs of post medieval re-use.” I have included my photographs and notes here, as I think these grave markers are more spectacular than those in Kilmartin churchyard – their designs are less worn and Peter Ryder, archaeologist for the church, has written about them in his assessment of the church, dated January 2013. On the day of our visit, the mid afternoon sun was streaming through the windows on the northern side of the church, which made photographing some of the fragments a little tricky (my photographic skills weren’t quite up to it!) and the stream of visitors into the church made me feel rude by continually using the flash. Some of the cross slabs are in the vestry and some in the tower, but it was not possible to see these. Another three have been used as paving slabs on the external west wall of the tower, but I didn’t spot these, as they seem to be worn. From the small guide book “The Church of St. Bartholomew”, centre right page: The two (cross slabs) above the altar at the east end are outstanding with their richly carved borders, delicate florets and symbolic shears and keys. An engraving of one was published as long ago as 1854, shortly after their discovery, when they were recognised as being of national importance.

St Bartholomew's Church (Newbiggin by the Sea)
St Bartholomew's Church (Newbiggin by the Sea) submitted by Anne T : This unusual fragment is built into the southern end of the east wall, near the altar (inside). It has been interpreted as "a net with entangled fishes" (the fishes head can just be seen towards the top of the stone). This fragment is dated to the 12th century and is said to have been part of a column capital. (Vote or comment on this photo)
Ancient Cross Slabs in Northumberland. This church contains "one of the most important collections of coffin lids and grave markers in the county". One of the cross slabs was first illustrated and documented in 1854. Shortly after their discovery, they "were recognised as being of national importance."

Built into the fabric of the church (mainly in the porch and internal walls) they are well preserved and (in my opinion) better than those to be found at Kilmartin Churchyard. The cross/grave slabs at Newbiggin by the Sea are dated to the 12th/13th century, whereas those at Kilmartin Churchyard are later (14th/15th/16th century). Some of the slabs are in the tower and vestry, which are not usually kept unlocked.

An archaeological assessment, dated January 2013 and carried out by Peter Ryder, Historic Buildings Consultant, which includes details and illustrations of the 20+ cross slabs in the church, can be found at Diocese of Newcastle, St. Bartholomew's Church, Newbiggin. More details can be found on the church's website - see Medieval Cross Slabs.

The church location is quite remarkable, being situated at the end of a low rocky promontory at the end of Newbiggin Bay. The church guide tells us that the church was originally founded as a chapel of ease to Woodhorn Church. The guide continues: "It may be assumed that a small church occupied the site before 1174, when a settlement between St Alban's Abbey and Tynemouth Priory includes a reference to a 'capella ... de Newbigginge'. Today the location is a little spoilt by the proximity to a large car park, but this also makes it very convenient for visitors!

Thanks to Peter Ryder for the descriptions of the cross slabs and architectural fragments (see his architectural assessment link above).
You may be viewing yesterday's version of this page. To see the most up to date information please register for a free account.


St Bartholomew's Church (Newbiggin by the Sea)
St Bartholomew's Church (Newbiggin by the Sea) submitted by Anne T : Recorded an illustrated as Newbiggin 28: "The upper part of a slab which had been set like (Newbiggin 10) in the blocking of the now reopened window at the east end of the south wall of the present nave. It may be part of a double slab, as a recess suggests there as a second cross head to the l. of that which survives, but it is difficult to be sure. Round-leaf bracelet cross carved in relief with... (Vote or comment on this photo)

St Bartholomew's Church (Newbiggin by the Sea)
St Bartholomew's Church (Newbiggin by the Sea) submitted by Anne T : Close up of Newbiggin 22, possibly the side of a slab, but which seemed (to my untrained eye) to possibly be part of a cross shaft. (Vote or comment on this photo)

St Bartholomew's Church (Newbiggin by the Sea)
St Bartholomew's Church (Newbiggin by the Sea) submitted by Anne T : Recorded as Newbiggin 22 & 23: built into the internal face of the north wall of the nave, above the second pier from the west end of the arcade. 22. A piece of what is probably one side of a slab, with a combination of chevrons and lobed leaves that would have flanked a cross shaft. A design somewhere between the simple Early Geometric chevrons of Woodhorn (Newbiggin 15) and the acanthus leaf... (Vote or comment on this photo)

St Bartholomew's Church (Newbiggin by the Sea)
St Bartholomew's Church (Newbiggin by the Sea) submitted by Anne T : Recorded as Newbiggin 17: "A coped double slab that until recently lay outside the east wall of the porch, but has recently been built into the internal face of the west wall [of the porch]. Relief carved design on yellow sandstone. Each sloping face has a full-length bracelet cross, with discs on the shaft just below the head and stepped bases. The l. cross has three pairs of fleur-de-lys springi... (Vote or comment on this photo)

St Bartholomew's Church (Newbiggin by the Sea)
St Bartholomew's Church (Newbiggin by the Sea) submitted by Anne T : Recorded as Newbiggin 16, and sited in the porch: "The upper part of a slab in corresponding position of west of porch. Relief design, on what a fine-grained greyish stone. An unusual cross head with fleur-de-lys with tightly-curved leaves, and further looped motifs with fleur-de-lys between the arms, that on the lower l. skewed to allow for the pommel of a sword ; on the lower edge of the stone o...

St Bartholomew's Church (Newbiggin by the Sea)
St Bartholomew's Church (Newbiggin by the Sea) submitted by Anne T : Recorded as Newbiggin 10: "Fragment of the head of an incised slab of buff sandstone, built into the internal recess of the blocked lancet at the east end of the south wall of the nave. Cross with open bracelets between the arms, inside a ring. The outer edge of the stone seems to have been cut to a series of facets; was this a headstone? Late twelfth or thirteenth century? 2013 – removed when w...

St Bartholomew's Church (Newbiggin by the Sea)
St Bartholomew's Church (Newbiggin by the Sea) submitted by Anne T : Recorded as Newbiggin 7: "Relief design on medium-grained darker brown sandstone within a raised border; bracelet cross, with big fleshy acanthus leaves and fleur-de-lys springing from the shaft, and a trefoil arch base. Shears on l. of shaft. Late twelfth century?". This slab is partly hidden by a metal railing which forms a kitchen area at the north western end of the nave.

St Bartholomew's Church (Newbiggin by the Sea)
St Bartholomew's Church (Newbiggin by the Sea) submitted by Anne T : Also inset into the north wall are two similar fragments: "Above nos. Newbiggin 5 and 6 are re-set fragments of high relief carving, both apparently animals with a pair of feet – presumably from effigies, resting on them."

St Bartholomew's Church (Newbiggin by the Sea)
St Bartholomew's Church (Newbiggin by the Sea) submitted by Anne T : Documented as Newbiggin 4: "Relief-carved slab of medium-grained sandstone. The cross head, a bracelet-derivative form, looks authentic (late 12th century?), but the shaft now ends in a stepped base half way down the stone, with below it a much worn early-nineteenth century inscription. Two small incised crosses flanking the main one may also be secondary. This is probably a genuine medieval sla...

St Bartholomew's Church (Newbiggin by the Sea)
St Bartholomew's Church (Newbiggin by the Sea) submitted by Anne T : Documented as Newbiggin 2: "Northernmost of the two slabs at the east end of the north aisle. Another relief-carved slab of coarser brown sandstone, the cross slightly less elaborate than on (Newbiggin 1) but here acanthus leaves are carved all round the edge of the stone; further foliage springing from the shaft and within the ogee-arched base; on the left of the shaft shears and a pair of keys...

St Bartholomew's Church (Newbiggin by the Sea)
St Bartholomew's Church (Newbiggin by the Sea) submitted by Anne T : Documented as Newbiggin 1: "Southern of the two slabs at the east end of the aisle. Fine-grained buff sandstone. Relief-carved design with incised-line decoration. Elaborate variant on bracelet cross with additional fleur-de-lys terminals springing from bracelets and petalled rosette at centre. Further fleur-de-lys on long curved stalks spring from the shaft, the uppermost pair curving to enclose ...

Do not use the above information on other web sites or publications without permission of the contributor.
Click here to see more info for this site

Nearby sites

Click here to view sites on an interactive OS map

Key: Red: member's photo, Blue: 3rd party photo, Yellow: other image, Green: no photo - please go there and take one, Grey: site destroyed

Download sites to:
KML (Google Earth)
GPX (GPS waypoints)
CSV (Garmin/Navman)
CSV (Excel)

To unlock full downloads you need to sign up as a Contributory Member. Otherwise downloads are limited to 50 sites.


Turn off the page maps and other distractions

Nearby sites listing. In the following links * = Image available
 1.8km WNW 297° Woodhorn Cross* Ancient Cross (NZ3014288845)
 7.9km W 260° St Andrew's Church (Bothal)* Ancient Cross (NZ2398986621)
 7.9km SSW 211° Bebside Road Henge Henge (NZ277812)
 8.4km SW 224° Bedlington Market Cross* Ancient Cross (NZ2594981924)
 8.4km SW 223° St Cuthbert's Church (Bedlington)* Sculptured Stone (NZ2605081813)
 9.6km WNW 297° Ulgham Cross* Ancient Cross (NZ2321892308)
 12.5km S 170° Old Hartley Blue Stone* Marker Stone (NZ341757)
 12.7km S 170° Old Hartley Standing Stone* Standing Stone (Menhir) (NZ341755)
 13.4km SW 217° Northumberlandia* Modern Stone Circle etc (NZ2384777182)
 14.2km NNW 347° Low Hauxley* Cairn (NU284018)
 14.7km W 262° St Cuthbert's Well (Mitford)* Holy Well or Sacred Spring (NZ1720685990)
 16.8km NNW 346° Amble Quarry Cists* Cist (NU277043)
 17.4km NNW 345° Amble Pier Cist* Cist (NU27280484)
 17.4km S 186° Holy Stone (North Tyneside)* Ancient Cross (NZ30137066)
 17.5km SW 218° Gardener's house crop mark, Dinnington Ancient Village or Settlement (NZ20977420)
 18.3km SSW 207° Hazlerigg cropmark (North) Ancient Village or Settlement (NZ23467172)
 18.4km W 280° Clavering's Cross* Ancient Cross (NZ1359691047)
 18.4km NNW 333° Morwick 1b* Rock Art (NU2330804419)
 18.4km NNW 333° Morwick 1a* Rock Art (NU2330804420)
 18.4km NNW 333° Morwick 1c Rock Art (NU2330604420)
 18.4km NNW 333° Morwick 1g Rock Art (NU2330404419)
 18.4km NNW 333° Morwick 1f* Rock Art (NU2330004418)
 18.4km NNW 333° Morwick N01 Rock Art (NU2330004419)
 18.4km NNW 333° Morwick* Rock Art (NU2330604423)
 18.4km NNW 333° Morwick 1d & 1e* Rock Art (NU2330004420)
View more nearby sites and additional images

<< Motte of Mark

Cagar Budaya Ceruk Senen >>

Please add your thoughts on this site

The Mind in the Cave

The Mind in the Cave

Sponsors

Auto-Translation (Google)

Translate from English into:

"St Bartholomew's Church (Newbiggin by the Sea)" | Login/Create an Account | 2 News and Comments
  
Go back to top of page    Comments are owned by the poster. We aren't responsible for their content.
Re: St Bartholomew's Church (Newbeggin by the Sea) by h_fenton on Sunday, 30 September 2018
(User Info | Send a Message)
Shouldn't this be Newbiggin rather than Newbeggin ?
[ Reply to This ]
    Re: St Bartholomew's Church (Newbeggin by the Sea) by Anne T on Sunday, 30 September 2018
    (User Info | Send a Message)
    Quite right! Well spotted. I've recently been to 2 other Newbeggins and have got so used to typing the name like that, and didn't spot the difference. Now amended (I think I've caught all the occurrences - will check again shortly to double check). Thank you.
    [ Reply to This ]

Your Name: Anonymous [ Register Now ]
Subject:


Add your comment or contribution to this page. Spam or offensive posts are deleted immediately, don't even bother

<<< What is five plus one as a number? (Please type the answer to this question in the little box on the left)
You can also embed videos and other things. For Youtube please copy and paste the 'embed code'.
For Google Street View please include Street View in the text.
Create a web link like this: <a href="https://www.megalithic.co.uk">This is a link</a>  

Allowed HTML is:
<p> <b> <i> <a> <img> <em> <br> <strong> <blockquote> <tt> <li> <ol> <ul> <object> <param> <embed> <iframe>

We would like to know more about this location. Please feel free to add a brief description and any relevant information in your own language.
Wir möchten mehr über diese Stätte erfahren. Bitte zögern Sie nicht, eine kurze Beschreibung und relevante Informationen in Deutsch hinzuzufügen.
Nous aimerions en savoir encore un peu sur les lieux. S'il vous plaît n'hesitez pas à ajouter une courte description et tous les renseignements pertinents dans votre propre langue.
Quisieramos informarnos un poco más de las lugares. No dude en añadir una breve descripción y otros datos relevantes en su propio idioma.