Ryton Holy Cross

Parish Notes Durham

Ryton Holy Cross

[Population 1911: 5,238]

The Parish
Church
Townships
Topography
History

Its Records
The Parish Chest
Non-Parochial Records
Monumental Inscriptions
Indexes

Church

The Church, dedicated to the Holy Cross, is a handsome regular structure, consisting of nave, aisles, chancel, and western tower; the latter is surmounted by an octagonal spire, covered with lead, which rises to the height of upwards of a hundred feet. The interior of the church is very neat; the nave is well pewed, and is separated from the chancel by an old oaken screen, beautifully carved; and several stained glass windows shed a "dim religious light" through the venerable edifice. On the floor of the chancel, lies the recumbent effigy of a Benedictine monk, carved in Stanhope marble; there are also several mural monuments and inscriptions in different parts of the church. On the north side of the churchyard is a large barrow twenty feet high, and covered with trees, which forms a beautiful object from the opposite side of the Tyne. The prospect from the cemetery is very picturesque, and embraces a variety of interesting objects. Ryton church formerly possessed an endowed chantry, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin. The living is a rectory, valued in the Liber Regis at £42 10s.; gross income, £1,144. The parish register commences in 1581; and the tithes were commuted in 1823. Patron, the Bishop of Durham; rector, the Ven. Archdeacon Thorp, D.D.; curate, Rev. David Akenhead, B.A. [Whellan's History, Topography and Directory of Durham (and Newcastle) (1856), page 911.]

| Top of page |