A shopping trip to Morpeth, and we headed north out of the town simply because that was the way the car was pointing. We turned left for Hebron although I didn’t know if there was an Anglican church there – it sounds like the sort of settlement which was named after a non-conformist chapel. I was wrong – the village was called Heburn in 1242 and, like Hebburn in Durham, its name comes from the Old English (pre 7th century) “byrgen” meaning a mound, especially a burial mound.
St Cuthbert’s church is in the centre of the hamlet at NZ194898, and a chatty lady was doing flowers for Harvest. Last year they spent a lottery grant of £87,000 to make the church into a village hall. They have put nice comfy chairs in the the Nave, and moved the pulpit up to the east end, out of the way.
I didn’t get the impression the place is bustling and busy as a Village Hall – but that may be unfair. There wasn’t a magazine or a guidebook, and I can’t find much on the web.
A new Vicar – who they share with Mitford – arrives next week. A twelfth century church, which was derelict by the seventeenth, rebuilt in the eighteenth.
In the old vestry they have added a superb kitchen and disabled loo, and remembered to put storage space in too.
Three rather nice hatchments in the Chancel – though the Chancel is the bit I would sort out if I was in charge.
There must be a link between these Ogles and the Ogles of Kirkley Hall. I wonder what the Vicar thought about having to work on Easter Monday handing out charity!
I’ve not heard the phrase “Chapel wardens” before. The school at Tritlington is still open apparently.
In my last blog I managed to get photos next to each other – why can’t I now?
The name might be “Gustard”, but I like the idea of “William and Isabelle Custard”.
We drove north to Longhorsley, had a very nice lunch at the “Shoulder of Mutton” at Longhorsley http://shoulderofmuttonpub.com/. By the time we’d finished it was grey, damp and horrible – so we drove home via the back roads, past some churches I look forward to visiting. Today had been more than just a shopping trip.
My ancestor, Deodatus Threlkeld, 1657-1732/33, is buried there, actually in the church I’m told. Do you have more photos of the church, gravestones, etc.? Thanks,
Paul
Dear Paul, What a wonderful name he had! I haven’t any more photos, I’m afraid. If I pass I’ll call in and see what I can find, but Hebron isn’t on my usual routes. Cheers, Peter
Thank you, Peter. I do apologize for not seeing your reply earlier. I hope you’re able to visit the chapel in the not too distant future.
Hi Peter
I am a resident of Hebron and I’m delighted to tell you that the Church (of which we all extremely proud of in the Village) is used extensively as a Village Hall. We have a full calendar of events throughout the Year – including a Cider Fest at which we make our own cider and wine and celebrate with home cooked banquet and home grown entertainment; a summer pantomime, which we write and perform ourselves; Burns Night Supper; a Village Show (produce and creative work) plus concerts and other events. It’s been a huge success in bringing the Community together and engaging with the Church. In fact it is held up as a good example of how a church building (which might fall into disuse) can be utilised positively by others and provide a superb facility for the community.
Excellent news. Well done! Love to Northumberland