A Surprisingly Productive Afternoon: Capturing Historic Gems Across County Durham

Today started off looking like a wash-out, with wind and rain threatening to keep me indoors. But as the afternoon approached, the skies brightened up just enough to give me a glimmer of hope. Deciding to chance my arm, I headed out with my drone and camera, aiming to tick off some locations that have been on my list for a while. Despite the lingering wind, it turned out to be a very productive afternoon.

The drone footage might be a bit hit or miss due to the gusty conditions, but I tried to keep the drone low and steady, close to where I could control it best. Even so, I managed to capture some fantastic shots of several historic locations. Here’s a rundown of where I ventured today:

Kepier Hospital: A Glimpse into Medieval Healthcare

My first stop was the old Kepier Hospital, located near Durham. Founded in the 12th century by Bishop Flambard, Kepier Hospital was once one of the wealthiest medieval hospitals in England. It served as a place of care for the poor, sick, and elderly, supported by the income from vast estates. The hospital continued its operations until the dissolution of the monasteries under Henry VIII, after which it fell into disrepair. Today, the remains of Kepier Hospital offer a fascinating insight into medieval healthcare, with its ancient stone structures still standing as a testament to its long history.

Church of Saint Mary the Virgin, West Rainton: Complementing the Collection

Next, I made my way to the Church of Saint Mary the Virgin in West Rainton. This beautiful parish church dates back to the 13th century, with its striking architecture reflecting a mix of styles from different periods. I had previously captured some aerial footage here on a sunny day, but I didn’t take any ground-level photos at the time. Today, I returned to complement my collection, capturing the church’s intricate stonework and its peaceful surroundings from a closer perspective.

St Michael and All Angels’ Church, Houghton-le-Spring: A Historic Parish Landmark

My third stop was St Michael and All Angels’ Church in Houghton-le-Spring. This church is one of the oldest in the region, with its origins tracing back to the 12th century. The church has seen numerous renovations and additions over the centuries, making it a fascinating mix of medieval and later architectural styles. The tower, built in the 14th century, is particularly notable and serves as a prominent landmark in the area. I was pleased to capture both aerial and ground-level shots of this historic parish church, highlighting its enduring significance in the local community.

Dalden Tower, Seaham: A Ruined Fortress by the Coast

Next, I headed to Dalden Tower in Seaham. This lesser-known site is the ruin of a 14th-century fortified manor house, once belonging to the powerful Dalden family. Perched near the coast, the tower’s remains are a haunting reminder of the area’s medieval past. Though much of the tower has crumbled over the centuries, the ruins still evoke a sense of the fortress’s former grandeur. The windswept location added to the atmosphere as I captured shots of the ancient stone walls standing stark against the cloudy sky.

St Mary’s Church, Easington Village: A Timeless Rural Church

Finally, I ended the day at St Mary’s Church in Easington Village. This church has been a focal point of the village for over a thousand years, with its origins dating back to the Saxon period. The current building, mostly Norman with later medieval additions, stands as a testament to the village’s long history. The church’s simple yet elegant architecture, coupled with its tranquil rural setting, made it a perfect spot to wrap up my day. I took a mix of aerial and ground-level photos, capturing the timeless beauty of this historic church.

A Busy Week Ahead

Now, I’ve got a mountain of editing to do, sorting through all the footage and photos I captured today. I’m excited to see how it all turns out, especially given the challenging conditions. Hopefully, the weather will be brighter for the rest of the week—there are so many more places I want to get to!

Thanks for following along on today’s journey. Stay tuned for the finished images and videos, and as always, keep exploring the incredible history that surrounds us.