St Giles Church, Durham

St Giles Church stands in Gilesgate, just outside Durham’s old walls, on a gentle rise above the river Wear. Founded in 1112 by Bishop Ranulf Flambard as the chapel for St Giles’ Hospital, it was dedicated on St Barnabas’ Day that same year. The church still shows parts of Flambard’s original work in its north wall. In 1180 Bishop Puiset enlarged the building, adding the chancel and what is believed to be the present font. Later centuries brought further changes, with major work in the 13th, 15th and 19th centuries. The church’s long history is marked by dramatic events. In 1140 William Cumin’s men attacked the church after Bishop William of St Barbara was barred from entering Durham. The hospital was destroyed but later rebuilt at Kepier. The church became the centre of a growing parish, served by Kepier Hospital which appointed the parochial chaplain. John Heath, owner of the Kepier estates, was buried here in the Elizabethan period. The First World War memorial lists sixty-seven parishioners who died or went missing. Inside, the church retains Puiset’s chancel and Flambard’s north wall. The organ was built by Harrison & Harrison in 1882. Three bells hang from a girder installed in 1964, while older oak frames may date from the late medieval period. The Rev’d Abbey Hughes serves as curate. Outside, the church overlooks Gilesgate and the river, a quiet place where centuries of Durham’s story can still be felt.