THE CHURCH
In the 8th century, Eagwulfincham, was one of four royal villages, given to the St Cuthbert’s community on Lindisfarne by the Northumbrian King Ceolwulf after he joined them to became a monk. When Holy Island was abandoned in the 9th century, the monastic land and church at Eglingham was briefly held by Durham, but then granted to the new priory of Tynemouth, which was a cell of the Abbey at St Albans. After the dissolution of the monasteries in the 16th century, the church at Eglingham reverted again to Durham.
An earlier simply constructed building, was replaced by a stone church in the 12th century, with the tower added in the mid-13th century. First sacked by raiding Scots in 1596/7, the church was virtually destroyed in 1640, during Cromwell’s time, at the hands of General Sir Alexander Leslie’s army of the Covenanters who supported the Presbyterian church of Scotland. The imposing tower was the only part of the building which survived intact. The damage was repaired and the church reconstructed later in the 17th century.
Victorians made further changes, lowering the nave roof, adding a porch and steeple as well as replacing the windows. John Green, a Newcastle architect whose firm designed the Theatre Royal, was criticised for turning St Maurice’s, ‘a valuable post-medieval building into a sham one’. More sensitive alterations were made in later Victorian times by F.R.Wilson of Alnwick, who had previously worked on the Houses of Parliament.
From 1842 to 1980, eleven Vicars of Eglingham were also Archdeacons of Lindisfarne. There is more to discover in the Lindisfarne Legacy exhibition in St Maurice’s Ogle Chapel.
St Maurice
Maurice was a Christian officer in the Roman army. Of North African origin, he was martyred in the 3rd century for refusing to kill other Christians. Mostly remembered as the patron saint of soldiers, St Maurice is a popular church dedication in Europe and America, but rare in England. There is no image of St Maurice in Eglingham, but at the church at nearby Ellingham, which is also dedicated to this saint, there is a memorial window showing him, as he is traditionally depicted, in full amour. His feast day is 22 September.
GOD’S ACRE
There has been a Christian burial place in Eglingham for more than a thousand years. The surviving gravestones are historical treasures which reveal much about the cultural heritage of this community, and their inscriptions can provide a fascinating insight into past lives. On the south side of the tower, the table top memorial belonging to the Storey family of Beanley records many generations and over 100 years of their family’s history. Other gravestones tell tragic tales of infant mortality, but also positive stories of longevity and faithful service in the parish.
In the Medieval times, the churchyard was used for bustling fairs and noisy markets which were an important source of income for the priest. Those in the parish with power and influence had the privilege of being buried under the church floor and in family vaults. Medieval stone grave slabs were often repurposed for later building work, and some may have been used as foundationstones for St Maurice’s mid-13th century tower. In contrast, the poor were buried in unmarked graves covered in a simple shroud with no coffin, and it was common for graves to be reused. In a practice which continues today, bodies were laid on their back with the head facing east. The exception was for priests who were buried facing west so they would rise in front of their congregation at the second coming of Christ.
It was only in the 18th century that rows of grave markers as we know them today became commonplace. However, in this rural community, it was still only those with some wealth who could afford a permanent reminder of their affluence. Of the 1,000 burials in the 18th century at St Maurice’s, only 40 remain marked with a gravestone. These burials were all on the southside of the church as people believed the northside was associated with darkness and the devil. Carved locally in sandstone, each one is a creative original. The earliest, dated 1717, is a small, simply carved, stone in memory of James Young.Amongst these old stones are some fine examples of “Memento Mori” symbolism – stark reminders of the transience of life and the inevitability of death.
By the 19th century, local carvers had given way to monumental masons.There are more than 50 headstones from Alnwick masons, Daniel McMillan. Victorian fashion also demanded larger stones in architectural revival styles. Chosen from classical pattern books, there are fine examples in the western section of the churchyard erected by the families of theArchdeacons of Lindisfarne, and the principal landowners: the Collingwoods and Carr-Ellisons.
Since the 20th century, additional diocesan rules mean that more recent mass-produced stones (mostly in the 1927 eastern extension) are smaller and tend to give little away about the people who lie beneath. However, there are a few exceptions of stones collected from the moors or specially designed by the family, which reflect more individual stories.Now,there are fewer burials as nationally 80% of bodies are cremated. St Maurice’s Remembrance Garden was created in the 1980s.
For more information go to www.eglingham.info/introduction-Community History Project
Carolyn Brewster 2024
Search the Headstone Transcriptions of Other Kirk/Church Yards directory:
Search for:There are no Boer War entries for this memorial.
There are no Boer War entries for this memorial.
There are no Boer War entries for this memorial.
There are no Boer War entries for this memorial.
In Loving Memory of ROBERT FAWCUS BARBER who died at Hedegley Dec. 17 1881, aged 62 years. Also THOMAS infant son of the above ROBERT and SARAH BARBER who died April 21st 1876, aged 15 months and SARAH JANE BARBER, wife of the above, who died in London Jany 23rd 1912, aged 78 years.
Erected by JOHN & MARY HALL, in affectionate remembrance of their niece MARY ROGERSON, who died at Abbey Lands, Decr 13th 1884, aged 32 years.
“Blessed are the dead, which die in the Lord”.
Thy will be done [On shield hanging from nail, inside trefoil]
Erected by ELIZABETH SANDERSON. In Affectionate Remembrance of her beloved husband JOHN SANDERSON, who died at Eglingham, June 26th 1877, aged 64 years. The above ELIZABETH SANDERSON, died Augu 14th1878 aged 71 years. Also of ELIZABETH daughter of ADAM & ELIZABETH LAIDLAW, and granddaughter of the above who died at Chillingham New Town August ???? aged 5 years.
[Surface stone crumbling and missing in many places]
In loving memory NED FORMAN 1931-1955 greatly beloved younger son of ELEANOR FORMAN 1893 – 1964 and T.P.G. <TOM> FORMAN 1885-1965 Vicar of Eglingham Archdeacon of Lindisfarne 1944 – 1955 also their elder daughter MARGARET E. FORMAN 1921 – 2006
CHRYSTABEL HICKS 24 March 1883 – 20 May 1943
MANSEL HARRY BATES 4 Aug. 1912 – 14. Dec.1980 Archdeacon of Lindisfarne 1970-1980 Vicar of Eglingham and MARY CAMPBELL BATES June 1911 – 31. Oct 1999 [Inscription on headstone]
JOHN RICHARD WARDLE 25.09.1949 – 15.06.2016 [Inscription on stone lying flat on ground in front of headstone]
Erected by JOHN and ANN DIXON in memory of ANN, their daughter who died at new Bewick 7th June 1859 aged 2 years and 8 months. Also WILLLIAM & ELIZABETH, twin children of JOHN & MARY ANN DIXON, born at Old Bewick Novr 28th died Novr 30th 1886.
Suffer little children come unto me.
The above JOHN DIXON died at Old Bewick Decr 31st 1884, aged 72 years. ANN his wife died at Gateshead Octr 6th 1892, aged 81 years.
Be ye also ready.
[Coating of lichen makes it difficult to read lowest part of inscription.]
In Loving Memory of MARY ANN DIXON, who died at Eglingham Broom House June 6. 1914, aged 55 years. Also of JOHN DIXON, her beloved husband, who died May 7. 1916, aged 63 years.
We cannot Lord thy purpose see, but all is well thats done by thee.
T. Watson & Son. [Mason’s name on front of plinth. No apostrophe in “Thats”.]
In Memory of BARBARA wife of JAMES GREEN, who died October 5th 1870, aged 42 years. Also of MARY their daughter who died December 11th 1870 aged 10 years. Also of the above JAMES GREEN, who died Feb. 13. 1898, aged 69 years. Also of THOMAS their son who died April 5. 1926, aged 63 years, Also his wife MARY GREEN died Aug. 22nd 1940, aged 69 years.
[A bird carved in high relief sitting on nest with olive branch in its mouth]
Erected in affectionate Remembrance of JAMES BIRKLEY, of Shipley Small Burn, who fell asleep in Jesus May 7th 1873 aged 78 years. Also of ISABELLA BARBARA. the beloved wife of FRANCIS DAWSON & daughter of the above who died at Shipley Small Burn Novr 26th 1875. aged 47 years. JANE, wife of the above died May 30th 1882 aged 78 years. FRANCIS DAWSON died Sept 21. 1895 aged 68 years. ISABELLA STUART DAWSON died Aug. 26, 1922 aged 71 years.
D.Mc milan. sc [Mason’s misspelled name on right panel of plinth]
In Affectionate Remembrance of ROBERT ATCHISON, who died at Eglingham January 23 1875, aged 86 years. Also the aboves [sic] wife ISABELLA ATCHISON, died January 18th 1881, aged 85 years. JOHN ATCHISON his son, died at Hocket Jan. 5. 1901, aged 64 years. SARAH JANE ATCHISON, his daughter, died at Alnwick, March 6. 1904, aged 38 years.
[Two flower buds on stem growing from spray of leaves]
In Memory of JAMES JEFFREY, who died at Lemington Branch, July 8th 1875 aged 67 years. Also of ELLEN wife of the above who died June 18th 1854 aged 41 years. Also of JAMES their son who died September 19th 1847 aged 4 years. Also of JANE second wife of the above who died July 12th 1877 aged 64 years.
(Clasped hands surrounded by ivy)
In Loving Memory here lie the mortal remains of JOHN JEFFREY eldest son of JAMES & ELLEN JEFFREY who fell asleep at Powburn, August. 26. 1919 aged 79 years.
Marvel not at this: all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth. John v. 28.
[Mason’s name, on front of plinth, too eroded to read]
In Memory of CECILIA GRAHAM, who died at Glanton, April 17th 1877. Aged 81 years.
[Celtic cross mounted on plinth of two stepped stones]
I·M [In memory] ALICE MARY CARR-ELLISON daughter of ARCHd CAMPBELL of Glendaruel Argyllshire: dearly beloved wife of Colonel R·H·CARR·ELLISON of Hedgley Hall born 26th July 1865 died 8th Sep. 1921. Col∙ RALPH·HENRY CARR – ELLISON C∙M∙G 1st Royal Dragoons of Hedgley Hall born 22nd Sep. 1863 died 17th May 1923
[Inscription on vertical part of cross]
In · Loving · Memory · Of Major· JOHN·CAMPBELL CARR·ELLISON of Hedgley Hall born · 25th · Sep ·1897 · died · 9th July · 1956
live·pure; right·wrong honour·the·king [Inscription on front of top stone of plinth]
[Decorated ringed-cross carved inside quatrefoil]
In Affectionate Remembrance of WILLIAM THOMPSON, who died at Eglingham June 24th 1873 aged 54 years. Also of JANE his wife who died March 12. 1893, aged 75 years. Interred at Elswick Cemetery.
Note – [Headstone has been turned round. Original inscription is now on back of headstone.]
In Loving Memory of MAY BARCLAY died 18th April 1985 aged 87 years Also GLENYS BARCLAY died 21st October 1991 aged 65 years beloved wife of CHARLES COLIN BARCLAY died 26th December 2018 aged 94 years dearly loved and missed
[New inscription, on front of headstone]
In Loving Memory of MAY BARCLAY died 18th April 1985 aged 87 years also GLENYS beloved wife of COLIN died 21st October 1991
[Original inscription, on back of headstone]
11A
[Small undressed stone between Rows 6 and 7, next to cherry tree]
IAN WHILLIS 22-3-60 8-7-09 Will Never Be Forgotten R.I.P
[Inscription on small metal plaque attached to a small L-shaped stone]
[Recumbent plain cross with its top resting on dressed stone support and its bottom resting on the ground]
In loving memory of THOMAS MILVAIN, Kt. G.B., K.G., who left this life on Sept. 23. 916, aged 72.
The souls of the righteous are in the hands of God and there shall no torment touch them – they are at peace.
[Inscription on left panel of stone support]
In loving memory MARY ALICE MILVAIN wife of THOMAS MILVAIN who left this life on June 26. 1928.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me;
[Inscription on right panel of stone support]
[Recumbent plain cross with its top resting on dressed stone support and its bottom resting on the ground]
In memory of GWLADYS HOPE beloved wife of ROLAND MILVAIN, who left this life Nov 18.1909
[Inscription on left panel of stone support]
And also to the memory of HENRY ROLAND MILVAIN of Eglingham Hall 1880 – 1960
[Inscription on right panel of stone support]
Erected by ALEXANDER HOPE In Affectionate Remembrance of MARY ANN, his beloved wife who died at Wooperton, June 15th 1867, aged 41 years. Also of the above ALEXANDER HOPE, who died Septr 19th 1872 aged 51 years.
‘A few short years of evil past, We reach that happy shore, Where death-divided friends, at last, Shall meet to part no more’.
[Inscription at bottom of headstone difficult to read because of lichen]
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