Birtley St Giles
The original stone church in Birtley, was erected on the present site by the Umfravilles, Lords of Prudhoe and 'Keepers of Redesdale' and consecrated in 1090. There are, however, indications of an earlier wooden Saxon church, probably dating from the 7th century.
A memorial stone from Iona and dated 7th century is set into the chancel wall.
In the 13th century the religious administration of the church passed to the Prior and Convent of Hexham while the responsibility for the maintenance of the fabric rested with the Lords of the Manor of Chipchase. Border raids (by Reivers) possibly took their toll because little repair work was done and by 1610 'the church was ruynouse and lying down and in need of everything from a surplice to a seat for the minister and a table of the Ten Commandments.'
The church was 'coarsely rebuilt for present use' in 1723 but it was to be 1883-4 before there was a major renovation of the structure and fittings of the church. This has preserved some of the church's Early Norman features - the priest's door in the south wall of the chancel (over which the stones of the original east window of the Norman church have been inserted); the Piscina in the south wall of the sanctuary; the Aumbry in its north wall; the Chancel Arch with its hatchet dressed moulding; and the massive Font bowl - and this is the Birtley church you will see today.
This is a windy place. There are no doors or windows in the north wall.
We have two small bells in the spire which are rung to call people to worship God.
The church is Grade 2* listed.
The Morning Office is said in this church each Thursday at 10.00am.
Ordnance Survey Map reference: NY 878 780
UK Post Code: NE48 3HW
Grid Reference: 55deg05’45.28”N 2deg11’34.20”W
Elevation: 194m
There is no nearby bus service.
A memorial stone from Iona and dated 7th century is set into the chancel wall.
In the 13th century the religious administration of the church passed to the Prior and Convent of Hexham while the responsibility for the maintenance of the fabric rested with the Lords of the Manor of Chipchase. Border raids (by Reivers) possibly took their toll because little repair work was done and by 1610 'the church was ruynouse and lying down and in need of everything from a surplice to a seat for the minister and a table of the Ten Commandments.'
The church was 'coarsely rebuilt for present use' in 1723 but it was to be 1883-4 before there was a major renovation of the structure and fittings of the church. This has preserved some of the church's Early Norman features - the priest's door in the south wall of the chancel (over which the stones of the original east window of the Norman church have been inserted); the Piscina in the south wall of the sanctuary; the Aumbry in its north wall; the Chancel Arch with its hatchet dressed moulding; and the massive Font bowl - and this is the Birtley church you will see today.
This is a windy place. There are no doors or windows in the north wall.
We have two small bells in the spire which are rung to call people to worship God.
The church is Grade 2* listed.
The Morning Office is said in this church each Thursday at 10.00am.
Ordnance Survey Map reference: NY 878 780
UK Post Code: NE48 3HW
Grid Reference: 55deg05’45.28”N 2deg11’34.20”W
Elevation: 194m
There is no nearby bus service.
Our worship
Worship takes place every other Sunday at 10.30am. We pride ourselves with our welcome.
Our services are Church of England Rite One Holy Communion, with hymns from Hymns Ancient and Modern New Standard and last about an hour.
If you normally receive communion (bread and wine) when you go to church you are welcome to receive it here too and that applies to people of all ages. We do not prepare children for communion before confirmation here but respect the needs and expectations of those children who have been prepared. For children who simply come for a blessing the Vicar offers a chocolate button to each.
We have four hymns accompanied by a small organ, a sermon of about 10 minutes duration, a time of prayer and afterwards have tea and coffee with home bakes.
Children and families are positively welcome at our services and there is a small creche with quiet toys for them and their adults to play with.
Our church does not have a toilet. Access to the church with wheelchairs requires the assistance of a carer. There is a step as you enter the church. It is possible for people in wheelchairs to come to the altar rail for Communion with help (there is one step) but the Vicar will bring communion to you in the nave should you wish.
We have a loop system. The Vicar also has a strong voice!
Dogs with well-behaved owners are positively welcome to our services.
Our services are Church of England Rite One Holy Communion, with hymns from Hymns Ancient and Modern New Standard and last about an hour.
If you normally receive communion (bread and wine) when you go to church you are welcome to receive it here too and that applies to people of all ages. We do not prepare children for communion before confirmation here but respect the needs and expectations of those children who have been prepared. For children who simply come for a blessing the Vicar offers a chocolate button to each.
We have four hymns accompanied by a small organ, a sermon of about 10 minutes duration, a time of prayer and afterwards have tea and coffee with home bakes.
Children and families are positively welcome at our services and there is a small creche with quiet toys for them and their adults to play with.
Our church does not have a toilet. Access to the church with wheelchairs requires the assistance of a carer. There is a step as you enter the church. It is possible for people in wheelchairs to come to the altar rail for Communion with help (there is one step) but the Vicar will bring communion to you in the nave should you wish.
We have a loop system. The Vicar also has a strong voice!
Dogs with well-behaved owners are positively welcome to our services.
