Community fascinated by church’s former lives

Mar 10 2008 by Tony Henderson, The Journal

A SERIES of stunning archaeological finds has rallied townspeople around a church which needs to raise £1m.

The Journal revealed that work on installing a new floor and heating system at the Church of St Michael and All Angels in Houghton-le-Spring, Tyne and Wear, had shown that the site may have been used for ritual and worship for thousands of years.

Boulders from what may have been a prehistoric burial cairn or ritual place have been found, as well as what are believed to be large Roman stones and a network of 18th Century burial vaults.

The latest discovery suggests that the current church, which dates from Norman times, is sitting on top of a large Saxon building.

Archaeologist Peter Ryder said: “These finds have been the most significant from any watching brief at a church in the North East ever.”

The bones of about 60 bodies disturbed by work carried out in the mid- 19th Century have also been properly reburied. Interest swept through the town as the finds were made and a total of 1,300 people turned up at two recent open days.

Now the Mayor of Sunderland Leslie Scott has placed a time capsule beneath the new floor, containing contributions from more than 100 people.

A final evening of archaeological talks and inspection will be held on March 18 at Kepier Hall, next to the church, with £3 tickets bookable on (0191) 584-9169.

Proceeds will go towards the £1m needed for interior and external work on the church, whose ancient walls are moving.

The work will also include a heritage centre in the church and a glass viewing panel in the floor.

The Rev Derek Newton said: “The number of people turning up for the open days was absolutely unbelievable.

“People have realised that it is their inheritance and pubs, clubs and other organisations have been calling us and asking how they can help.”

Tony Henderson