1,000 years of heritage, historic church of the Dukes of Northumberland
Alnwick’s ancient parish church was identified by the
celebrated journalist Simon Jenkins as one of the thousand best churches in
England. It has stood on the promontory above old Canongate since Norman times
– the interior still contains some random decorated stones of this earliest
period. It is a story that spans the entire history of Alnwick and the Dukes of Northumberland. Dedicated in early times to St Mary and St Michael ('patron saint' of Alnwick), then merged in the 1970s with the former Anglican parish of St Paul's, today it is known simply as St Michael's Church. Most of the remaining handsome stone fabric was cut in the 14th century and used to raise the tower and remodel the nave and aisles in the Perpendicular style of the times. Visitor information: in addition to regular services, the church is open to visitors from 1:00pm to 4:00pm Monday to Saturday from May to October - so go in and enjoy its architectural grandeur and be refreshed by the tranquillity of this lovely sacred space. |   Fascinating features include the ancient carved stone 'Hotspur' capital, which commemorates Harry, son of the 4th Lord Percy, a notable warrior who was killed at the battle of Shrewsbury in 1403. Amongst many other points of interest are medieval grave slabs, memorials, wartime rolls of honour, a remarkable collection of stained glass windows, and a stunning 21st century font carved in Kilkenny limestone. |