St Cuthbert's Church Framwelgate Peth

Whilst admiring my favourite Observatory Obelisk Durham, the church of Saint Cuthbert was very agreeable to the eye. It is pleasant to visit, whether it is a frosty start, a Mystic fog, or a warm spring day.

St Cuthbert, Church of England (not to be confused with the Roman Catholic St Cuthbert's in Durham City) was built between 1858 and 1863 in pale sandstone with an ashlar finish. The architect was Edward Robert Robson FRIBA FSA FSI (1836 - 1917) and St Cuthbert's was his first church commission. He had John Dobson (1787 to 1865) tutelage under his belt and this church is a mix of French influence from his travels and the early English Style. Plain it is not.

From the east side, which is Framwelgate Peth (A691) and overlooking the Observatory Obelisk, you are looking at the pleasantly curved east end. Indeed, the roof tiles are curved! The south side has a catslide-style tiled roof. I could find no records of a roof replacement, so this has stood the test of time since its original construction of 1863 in dark blue/grey Welsh slate with a diapered pattern of diamonds in green Westmoreland slate. The quinquennial report notes that the roof condition is good, and that the poorer condition of the 1990 extended part on the north aspect is notable.

Have you noticed the tall chimney? That has certainly stood the test of time eh!

There's a pointy pitched canopy outside the current entrance, which is under the three-tiered tower with a saddleback roof. It is said that this type of roof aids wind resistance and air circulation. Seems like sound planning by Edward Robson as St Cuthbert's Church is in an elevated position.

The west entrance, which is not used, has so much detail to acknowledge: It has two oak doors with fleur-de-lis hinges. The entrance is surrounded by Corinthian pillars and hood/drip molds. The statue in the middle is, of course, St. Cuthbert, holding the head of St. Oswald. Look closer, and you can see St Cuthbrt's furrowed brow!

The triangle recess above the door is called a tympanum. It has the depiction of Jesus, which is referred to as Christ in Majesty.

The church has selected opening times, and if you have the opportunity to go inside, you will be gratified. The apse at the east end, behind the altar, has five pairs of stained-glass windows depicting saints.

The Rose window is noticeable from the outside, as well as the inside.

Take a wander around the graveyard and admire the scenery. There are snowdrops and Lesser Celandine in February.

The lych gate as you enter from North Road. It dates from 1918 and was constructed as a war memorial, which merits its Grade II listed status. There is more Welsh slate on the canopy.

There is a café and loos next door in Wharton Park