A Busy Afternoon of Capturing County Durham’s Historic Churches and Ancient Sites

It’s been an incredibly busy and productive afternoon. The skies looked a little dark at times, but thankfully I managed to stay mostly dry and captured some great footage and photos. Today was all about churches, one of my favorite subjects. Churches offer so many angles and fascinating details to explore, and I never tire of discovering the rich history they hold.

In addition to the churches, I followed my instincts to two amazing and very old sites that aren’t on everyone’s radar—and I was richly rewarded. Here’s a rundown of the places I visited today, along with a bit of their history:

St Andrew’s Church, Aycliffe Village

My first stop was St Andrew’s Church in Aycliffe Village. This church is one of the oldest in County Durham, with parts of the building dating back to the Saxon period. It’s a fascinating mix of architectural styles, reflecting the many centuries it has been in use. The churchyard also contains some ancient gravestones, adding to the historical atmosphere. I captured drone video, drone photos, and camera photos here, trying to highlight both the exterior beauty and the serene surroundings.

Great Stainton All Saints Church

Next, I visited Great Stainton All Saints Church. Sadly, this church is now closed, and the grounds are overgrown, giving it a rather forlorn appearance. However, it’s still a place of great interest. The church dates back to the medieval period, and despite its current state, it’s clear that it was once a central part of the community. I captured drone video, drone photos, and camera photos, focusing on the contrast between its current dilapidation and its historical significance.

Bishopton Castle Remains

One of the hidden gems I discovered today was the remains of Bishopton Castle. To most people, this might just look like a mound of earth, but it’s actually the site of an ancient castle. Built in the 12th century by Roger Conyers, Bishopton Castle was a motte-and-bailey fortress that played a role in the turbulent history of the region. Although little remains today, the site is still fascinating to explore. I captured drone video here, aiming to bring out the contours of the earthworks that once supported the castle.

St Peter’s Church, Bishopton

After exploring the castle remains, I moved on to St Peter’s Church in Bishopton. This small, rural church dates back to the 13th century and is a classic example of medieval ecclesiastical architecture. The church has a simple yet beautiful design, and it was a pleasure to capture its details through drone video, drone photos, and camera shots. The setting is wonderfully peaceful, which I tried to convey in my images.

St Cuthbert’s Church, Redmarshall

St Cuthbert’s Church in Redmarshall was my next stop. This church, built in the 12th century, is another example of the region’s rich ecclesiastical heritage. It’s dedicated to St Cuthbert, one of Northern England’s most revered saints. The church’s architecture is striking, with a mix of Norman and later Gothic elements. I took drone video, drone photos, and camera photos, focusing on the intricate stonework and the church’s commanding presence in the village.

St Thomas a Becket’s Church, Grindon: A Ruined Relic

The find of the day was St Thomas a Becket’s Church in Grindon. This site is particularly fascinating because it is now a ruin, offering a glimpse into the past. The church, originally built in the 12th century, was dedicated to St Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury who was martyred in 1170. Over the centuries, the church fell into disrepair and is now a hauntingly beautiful ruin. The remaining stone walls and the peaceful, overgrown setting make it a fantastic subject for photography. I captured drone video, drone photos, and camera photos here, trying to capture the atmosphere and history of this intriguing site.

Church of St Edmund, Sedgefield

My final stop was the Church of St Edmund in Sedgefield. This grand and beautiful church is a landmark in the town, with a history that stretches back to the 13th century. The church is known for its impressive spire, which dominates the skyline, and its detailed interior, which includes some stunning stained glass windows. I captured drone video, drone photos, and camera photos, focusing on the church’s grand architecture and its prominent position in Sedgefield.

Back to the Editing Table

Now it’s time to head back to the editing table. I’ve captured so much content today, and I’m excited to start going through it all. There’s something incredibly rewarding about discovering and documenting these historic sites, and I can’t wait to share the finished results.

Thanks for following along on today’s journey. Stay tuned for more updates as I continue to explore and capture the rich history of County Durham.