A few miles north of Edlingham lies Bolton Chapel – we followed the wonderful metal signs (the one photographed is just opposite the church). Grid ref = NU106137. If you look carefully at this friendly noticeboard you will see it tells you to ring the bell for access. Bolton Chapel is a chapel of ease to Edlingham, and they’re now in a group based on Whittingham.
In 1855 a burial cist containing an urn was found on the north side of the church which, along with the circular enclosure, suggests that this may have been a sacred pre-Christian site. Some Roman artefacts have been fund, and the settlement itself is Saxon. The earliest reference to a church here is in two 1175 charters in Durham. In 1209 King John met William the Lion, King of Scots, here.
In 1225 William’s daughter Isabella and her husband Robert de Bos founded a leper hospital here. 60 years later the master of the hospital and several of the brethren were accused of stealing goods and burning houses at Branxton – early Border reivers. Ten years after that (in 1295) the army of Edward I was amassed in Bolton, and in 1313 sheep were bought from the hospital “for the use of the royal household” as they went north (again) to deal with the Scots. Two hundred years later the army of Henry VIII camped here prior to Flodden. In Bolton Chapel he and other nobles “partook of Holy Communion and pledged themselves to defeat the Scots or die on the field”. This year is the 500th anniversary of the Battle – http://www.flodden1513.com
The only remaining internal feature of the early church is the Norman chancel arch, but the Nave was completely restored in 1860. The chancel dates from 1868. There’s a very decorated font and an odd North Transept.
Lots of interesting memorials on the walls. Some quite ancient, others Victorian. There are big houses nearby – Bolton Hall, Broome Park and Shawdon Hall – and the families have been part of Border history for many years. Indeed one was a secretary to Lord Chancellor Eldon – I wonder how often he came back to Bolton.
Up in the Chancel, stars on the ceiling and a couple of Jubilee kneelers. History goes on.
I was just hoping that you had some records of a George Tait. His son , also George, was baptised in Alnwick in 1784, and on the records, it says George senior was a labourer from Bolton. This must mean this Bolton!! Any ideas? I know that Lords rather than labourers are commemorated in most Churches, but here’s hoping
Thanking you, MG
Sorry for the delay. I only visit churches, I don’t know about their records. Newcastle Diocesan records are at Woodhorn, Northumberland Record Office. https://museumsnorthumberland.org.uk/woodhorn-museum/
I have a phone number for a lady who lives in the Stables at Bolton Hall.
I am worried because the phone number doesn’t seem to exist any more.
I have been away and have lost the contact I had of her when changing phones.
I’m aware she was ill and bed ridden and I am simply enquiring after her to see how she is.
I’m aware you know her as her husband Maurice died a number of years ago and is buried next to the church.
I have known Mary for many years and would very much like to know how she is.
If you can help me in any way I would be very grateful.
Thank you so much.
Sorry Linda, I was just a visitor there many years ago – this is not the parish website. This website gives a contact number https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/16284/find-us/
Best wishes, Peter
Hi Linda, Mary is now in Castle View Residential home in Alnwick. She moved there before lockdown and her house is for sale now.
I know of a few people who still contact the home to enquire of her but no one was able to visit.
I hope this is helpful.