The thirteenth Century Church of St Mary Magdalene which looks over the Derwent Valley was largely rebuilt in 1878 with original sections of the stone walls of the South Nave, Chancel and Chancel Arch left as they were.
Medomsley was a rather rural parish and until the opening of the coal mines many of the parishioners were employed in agriculture. In 1793, the Durham Diocesan Book states that there were around 100 houses in the chapperly rising to 157 in 1801 with a population of 754.
The church is home to several beautiful stained glass windows, one of which depicts the cruxification of Christ.
St Mary Magdalene has a large graveyard which has become the resting place for, among others, soldiers who lost their lives in the Great Wars as well as many miners who died in mining accidents.
Below is the grave of John Walton who, as his grave says, was killed after he was struck by lightning as he walked over the field you can see in the background of the photograph.
Today, there is a great sense of community within St Mary Magdalene with regular coffee mornings and a weekly Sunday school to introduce children to the teachings of the bible.
No comments:
Post a Comment