More information : NZ 18933014 St John's Church (NR) (1)
St John's Church, Escomb, an almost complete Anglo-Saxon structure of approximately 600-800 AD date, incorporating re-used Roman material. Plan. Pamphlet. (2-4)
A 4th century Roman inscribed stone found in the north wall of the nave 1969 bears the inscription "Bono/rei/publicae/nato". (5)
Excavation at the west end of the church in 1968 revealed foundations of a stone chamber, thought to be the original Anglo-Saxon porch or 'porticus'. To the north of the blocked doorway in the chancel, foundations of a flanking chamber were also seen associated with Anglo-Saxon pottery, window glass and other material. Further excavations in the churchyard revealed only the foundations of a stone building at F, and possibly the earlier boundary of the churchyard. Other finds included a few sherds of Roman and Medieval pottery, an Anglo-Saxon carved stone and glass beads, bronze tweezers and an 'iron object'. Plan. (6)
As described, still in use and in good condition.
Published Survey (1:2500) Correct. (7)
Excavations in 1979/80 in the area of the boundary wall on the west side of the churchyard uncovered the footing of an earlier drystone wall which may be medieval or 18th century, an extensive area of cobbling which may be medieval and an earthen boundary bank which may be Anglo-Saxon. (8)
Fragments of Anglo-Saxon cross shafts are held in the church porch. A slab or grave marker is set up behind the altar and a sundial is built into the south wall of the nave. Four cross fragments are of 7th-9th century date, a fragment of an upright pillar is late 7th-early 8th century date, a gravesone or slab is late 8th-early 9th century, and ther is a sundial with beast's head above of 8th century date. (9)
There is an unconfirmed report of a hypocaust being found beneath the church which may indicate the presence of a villa. (10)
The Saxon Church. One of the earliest and most important churches in the country, dating from the time of Bede, c700 AD, and built of masonry from Roman Vinovium. Anglo-Saxon plan of two small rectangular cells, of tall narrow proportions in the Northumbrian style. Grade A. (11)
Additional reference. (12) |