Exploring Hidden Gems: A Day of Capturing Historic Churches and Forgotten Sites

Today was one of those days that makes all the effort worthwhile—busy, productive, and full of discoveries. I revisited some old favorites, planned new shoots, and stumbled upon some absolute gems. Here’s a rundown of the places I visited today, along with a bit of history and what makes each one so special.

All Saints Parish Church, Lanchester

I started the day by revisiting All Saints Parish Church in Lanchester. This church, with its origins in the 12th century, is steeped in history. It was built on the site of a Roman fort and has been a place of worship for centuries. The church’s Norman tower and medieval carvings are particularly noteworthy, making it a rich subject for both drone footage and ground-level photography. Today, I focused on capturing some detailed camera shots to complement the aerial footage I had previously taken. The architecture of this church never ceases to impress.

St John’s Church, Burnhope

My next stop was St John’s Church in Burnhope, a church I had visited before for drone footage. Built in the late 19th century, this church served the local mining community and stands as a reminder of the area’s industrial past. The church’s design is simple yet elegant, reflecting the modest means of the community it served. I returned today to capture some camera shots, aiming to highlight the church’s understated beauty and its place in the local landscape.

St Andrew’s Church, Stanley

Continuing with the theme of revisits, I made my way to St Andrew’s Church in Stanley. This church, dating back to the late 19th century, is a fine example of Gothic Revival architecture. It was built to serve the growing population of Stanley during the height of the coal mining era. The church’s tall spire and detailed stonework make it a striking landmark in the town. Today, I focused on capturing camera shots that showcase the intricate details of the building’s exterior.

Causey Arch

Causey Arch was my next destination. This is a site I’ve visited before, but I wasn’t completely satisfied with the aerial footage I had previously captured, so I returned for another attempt. Built in 1725-26, Causey Arch is the oldest surviving railway bridge in the world. It was originally constructed to carry coal wagons from Tanfield Colliery to the River Tyne and is an engineering marvel of its time. Today, I managed to capture some new drone footage, though the camera shots were challenging due to the sun’s position. Still, it’s always a pleasure to photograph such a historically significant structure.

Derwentcote Steel Furnace

This was a new find on my travels today, and what a gem it turned out to be. Derwentcote Steel Furnace, built around 1720, is one of the few remaining examples of an early steel-making furnace in the UK. The furnace was used to produce blister steel, a crucial material during the Industrial Revolution. The site is now managed by English Heritage and offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s industrial history. I managed to get some great camera shots and aerial footage of this unique site, capturing its rustic charm and historical significance.

St Andrew’s Church and Hopper Mausoleum

This next site was an accidental find but a widely known place—St Andrew’s Church and the Hopper Mausoleum. The church, located in the small village of Byers Green, is a lovely example of a rural parish church. The Hopper Mausoleum, built in the 18th century, is an impressive structure that stands adjacent to the church. It was commissioned by the Hopper family, who were prominent local landowners. The peaceful setting and historical gravitas of this site made it a rewarding stop. I captured drone footage and camera shots that I’m really excited to edit.

Blanchland and Blanchland Abbey

Blanchland has been on my list for ages. This picturesque village is one of the most beautiful in the Northeast, with its roots in the 12th century. Blanchland Abbey, founded in 1165, was originally a Premonstratensian monastery and is now a parish church. The abbey’s remains are intertwined with the village, giving Blanchland its unique character. The village itself was largely rebuilt in the 18th century by the Bishop of Durham, and its medieval charm has been beautifully preserved. I finally had the chance to capture drone footage and camera shots of both the village and the abbey, which I’ve been wanting to do for a long time.

Presser Pump, Hunstanworth

Presser Pump, located in the hills near Hunstanworth, has been on my list for a long time. The pump was part of the water supply system for the village and nearby mines, reflecting the area’s industrial heritage. The site is perched on a hill that has brought me both joy and pain on the bike—an infamous climb for local cyclists. Today, I captured lots of drone footage and some camera shots of the pump, which stands as a quiet relic of a bygone era.

Jeffreys Rake, Hunstanworth

This was a serendipitous find on my way home after visiting Presser Pump. Jeffreys Rake is an old lead mine, a remnant of the area’s rich mining history. The site is somewhat remote, and I didn’t have time to explore it on foot, so I sent the drone up to capture it from a distance. I’m excited to see how the footage turns out, as the landscape and historical context make this site particularly intriguing.

Back to the Editing Table

Now that the day is done, I’m faced with a mountain of editing, but I’m not complaining. It’s always good to have a backlog of content, especially when the weather is unpredictable. I’m excited to start sifting through today’s footage and photos to see how everything turned out.

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