- St. Hilda’s Church, Church Close, Hartlepool, County Durham TS24 0DA
Church Tour
Take an online tour around St Hilda’s church.
The Norman doorway
Our tour starts at the Norman doorway, now enclosed by the 1932 outer porch. It is pure Norman workmanship, with chevron moulding, and must date from before the rest of the church, which belongs to the Transitional period and was built about 1185 – 1215.
Behind the High Altar is the Brus Chapel, containing (perhaps) the tomb of Robert Brus IV. The extreme east end of the church was restored on the original foundations in the 1930s, under the supervision of the well-known architect, Caroe. It had fallen into disrepair in the 17th century and was abandoned. A new east wall was built at that time, approximately where the altar rails now stand.
In the North and South aisles are illuminated panels, some with interactive screens, which tell the story of the Headland.
These pictures, taken during annual Christmas Tree Festivals, give a good idea of the splendid architecture which awaits the visitor. The photograph above is taken through the Rood Screen which was moved, in the 2003 re-ordering, from its original position at the Chancel arch to the West end, where it marks the division of the social and worship areas.
The nave
The nave consists of six bays on each side, excluding those actually under the tower. Those on the north side are plain and similar, whilst on the south side the style is more ornate: all the arches are of differing size, and the piers are different from each other. The architect has achieved unity through variety.
To the right of the choir is the pilgrim chapel of St. Nicholas, the Patron Saint of sailors and children. This was formerly a chantry chapel, and traces of the priest’s door and the remains of a piscina can be seen.
The Elizabethan brass (Jane Bell) shown left is to be found in the east corner of the north aisle, near the organ.
Saxon headstone
On the east wall of the pilgrim chapel, in an oak case, is the headstone of a Saxon nun, Hildithryth.