Church of St Ebba
Religious Place In Beadnell, Northumberland
An 18th Century church dedicated to St Ebba.
The small fishing village of Beadnell may not strike you as a particularly important location but it is home to a church dedicated to one of the most powerful and influential women of early Northumbria, St Ebba. Æbbe, was a princess in the royal house of Bernicia and daughter of King Æthelfrith and sister to Oswald and Oswiu. Born into a period of turmoil, she was exiled to the Gaelic kingdom of Dál Riata, where she converted to Celtic Christianity.
On her return to Northumbria, she championed her new faith. She founded a number of monasteries, the most famous of which was Coldingham located at what is now known as St Abb's Head and founded in 635 AD. It made Ebba a figure of considerable influence and authority, which extended well beyond her local community, making her a key architect of the Christianisation of northern Britain.
The original Church of St Ebba was found on the promontory at Ebb's Nook near Beadnell harbour. Not much of it can be seen today but it was part of a much larger complex of enclosures and earthworks.
The current Church of St Ebba dates to around 1740, with further works to the spire and tower occurring in 1797, and it would have been a simpler affair than it is today. In 1860 it underwent significant rebuilding and renovation, possibly under the direction of Alnwick Architect F. R. Wilson. The trend for Gothic architecture saw the introduction of new windows and works to the tower.
The spire and tower are striking due to the octagonal, pierced stone screen which looks like a crown wrapped around the base of the short spire. It has quatrefoils, crocketed finials and some grotesque heads projecting from it!
The stained-glass windows are also an important feature of the church and some of them were created by the celebrated glass artist, William Wailes. One of the windows designed by him even has his initials tucked away in a corner.
There is also a window installed that is dedicated to the lives lost in the Second World War and serves as the village's official memorial. It depicts St Oswald and St Ebba surrounded by other Saints such as Joan of Arc and St Christopher.
The Church of St Ebba is a Grade II Listed Building and while small, it packs a lot of interesting design into its four walls and is a fitting legacy of one of Northumbria's most formidable women.
Get 3 points if you have visited this place. Already visited by 6 VIPs.
Login to the VIP area to add places to your bucket list, mark them as visited and more importantly see where you rank on the league table.
How To Find Church of St Ebba
Where Is Church of St Ebba?
Lat / Long
55.556642, -1.6373146
What three words
Where To Park For Church of St Ebba?
Lat / Long
55.556745, -1.6368529
What three words
There is some on street parking by the churchyard for a quick visit.
Contributed by Andrew Gardner
I love being outdoors, in nature, and experiencing the relaxation it brings. Wandering through the northern countryside seeing unexpected buildings, historic places and occasionally surprised wildlife is one of life's great pleasures.
More Places from Andrew
More Places In Beadnell
Find more fabulous places in Beadnell, Northumberland and if you know of a place we haven't listed, then let us know.
Beadnell Lime Kilns
Lime Kiln Beadnell Northumberland18th century lime kilns in the harbour of Beadnell Bay
AA Sentry Box 817 Beadnell
Building Beadnell NorthumberlandA sentry box that once housed AA patrolmen and then a telephone to aid you should your car breakdown.
More Religious Places
So this religious place wasn't enough and you want more? Don't worry we have you covered.
Parish Church of St Hilda Hartlepool
Religious Place Hartlepool County DurhamAn imposing church that can be seen for miles at Hartlepool Headland.
Tullich Church And Pictish Stones
Religious Place Ballater ScotlandThe remains of a medieval church with a display of Pictish Stones.
St Martins Priory
Religious Place Richmond North YorkshireRuins of a 12th century Benedictine priory, close to the banks of the River Swale.
Never Miss A Fabulous Place
If you are afraid of missing out on all the fabulous places we post, or just want to be the first to know, then sign up to the Fabulous North.
Each week we will email you all the brand new places that we visit.
Sign Up To Alerts
Find Us On Facebook
We post all our new places daily on our Facebook Groups page, so join the group today and be notified when we add a new place.
Join Our Facebook GroupChurch of St Ebba was listed in Religious Place // Northumberland // Beadnell