St. Ebba's Church, Ebchester
Founded in the late 12th Century under Bishop Puiset of Durham, St. Ebba's emerged on land generously provided by the Diocese to Sherburn Hospital for the recovery of ailing brethren. Priests from Sherburn served St. Ebba's, with William de Ebchester and Robert de Ebchester subsequently ascending to the position of Priors of Durham in 1446 and 1478, respectively.
The church consisted of a modest nave and chancel, separated by a Norman arch constructed from sizable stone blocks sourced from the nearby Roman Fort, Vindomora. By the 13th Century, a double bell cote adorned the west gable, and a low, plastered ceiling altered the Norman archway. In 1803, efforts to improve the lighting, saw the replacement of some narrow lancet windows with larger sash varieties. The structure underwent continuous improvements over the centuries.
In 1902, the churchyard underwent expansion, accompanied by extensions to the choir and clergy vestries, while a tower was added in 1910. The tower's first floor now houses a clock crafted by Potts & Sons of Leeds, presently powered by electricity. Above, a belfry contains a peal of six bells, which, on special occasions, can be rung manually to chime the hours and quarters.
Outside, within the churchyard, lie the graves of notable families such as the Surtees and the Oleys, descendants of the renowned sword makers of Shotley Bridge.
The church consisted of a modest nave and chancel, separated by a Norman arch constructed from sizable stone blocks sourced from the nearby Roman Fort, Vindomora. By the 13th Century, a double bell cote adorned the west gable, and a low, plastered ceiling altered the Norman archway. In 1803, efforts to improve the lighting, saw the replacement of some narrow lancet windows with larger sash varieties. The structure underwent continuous improvements over the centuries.
In 1902, the churchyard underwent expansion, accompanied by extensions to the choir and clergy vestries, while a tower was added in 1910. The tower's first floor now houses a clock crafted by Potts & Sons of Leeds, presently powered by electricity. Above, a belfry contains a peal of six bells, which, on special occasions, can be rung manually to chime the hours and quarters.
Outside, within the churchyard, lie the graves of notable families such as the Surtees and the Oleys, descendants of the renowned sword makers of Shotley Bridge.