Heritage Open Day in Esh

On Sunday 11th September, St Michael's and All Angels C of E church and St Michael's Roman Catholic church will open their doors to the public as part of the national Heritage Open Days scheme. Free admission to both buildings will be available between 1pm and 5pm, whilst refreshments will be available at The Cross Keys pub.

St Michael's and All Angels originally dates to the 13th century, although it was extensively remodelled in the latter half of the 18th and first half of the 19th century as part of a refurbishment by Temple Chevallier, the celebrated theologian and astronomer.

St Michael's RC Church, meanwhile, is a Grade II listed building and one of the oldest churches in the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle. Built to resemble a farm steading so that it blended in with the surrounding buildings, it features beautiful stained glass windows and was the mother church for the Lanchester area.

Follow the links above to find out more about the Heritage Open Days in Esh.

St Michaels and All Angels has a new website!

St Michael and All Angels C of E church in Esh might date from 1283, but a new website puts it firmly in the twenty-first century! http://www.stmichaelandallangelsesh.btck.co.uk provides details of service times, baptisms, weddings and funerals, the Parochial Church Council, and how to get involved with the Friends of the Church initiative, as well as much more! 

Temple Chevallier, 1794-1873

St Michael's has a rich history: King Edward I attended Mass there on 10th September 1306, and the celebrated astronomer, scientist, mathematician and theologian and clergyman, Temple Chevallier,
famous for his work on sunspots, as well as translating the works of several Church Fathers. Chevallier is buried in the churchyard, which is also the site of a Commonwealth War Grave, that of 552228 Trooper William Francis Leopold Scott, who died in 1940 whilst serving with the Royal Armoured Corps. All are welcome at the church: check out their website for details of how to visit, worship, and get involved!