Pictures of Escomb

About Escomb

Lying in a prominent position ringed by the River Wear, Escomb is best known for its magnificent Saxon Church reputed to be the best Saxon Church in England, built from stones brought from the near-by ruined Roman Fort at Binchester. The age of the church is indicative of just what an old region this is.

Escomb Church is completely fascinating, it has beautiful doorways, original Saxon carving, and a crude octagonal font on which remain the holes for lead fasteners - this is thought to be at least seven centuries old. On the southern exterior wall of the church there is an unusual 7th century sundial.

In celebration of the Millennium the church has what is known as the Escomb Textile, this was made locally and includes work by local school children.

In the churchyard visitors will note graves belong to local people, these cover several centuries.

Escomb lies around one and a half miles from Bishop's Auckland, and like many Durham communities it has a history associated with mining. However, the River Wear offers opportunities for boating fishing and exploring the regions wildlife heritage.