St Cuthbert's Catholic Church, Durham
St. Cuthberts Catholic Church, Old Elvet, Durham, County Durham, DH1 3HL
Completed in 1827, and approaching our 200th birthday, St Cuthbert's Catholic Church is in a part of Durham that was often called 'Popish Elvet' because of the number of Catholic residents. The church is a hidden gem opposite one of our architect Ignatius Bonomi's other major works - Durham's Crown Courts! Although the church is simple in its architecture, it contains a spectacular stained glass window by the Irish artist Harry Clarke. It is one of his final works and depicts Saints Cuthbert, Bede and William of York together with Blessed Thomas Percy, the 7th Earl of Northumberland, who was executed for treason in 1572 following the Rising of the North three years earlier. There are two medieval wooden effigies together with more contemporary works, such as a reading lectern and a processional cross by Fenwick Lawson. Together, these works help to make the simple space beautiful.
Timings
- Friday 18 September:
- 1300-1600
- Saturday 19 September:
- 1000-1600
- Sunday 20 September:
- 1300-1600
Location & directions
St. Cuthberts Catholic Church, Old Elvet, Durham, County Durham, DH1 3HL
- Contact on day:
- Andy Doyle
- Telephone number:
- +447985434185
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
Public on-street parking is available outside the church and charges apply on all the days we are open. There is level access to the church itself but steps into the sanctuary area.
Additional information
Stewards will be available to welcome visitors and answer any questions. The church will be open at other times for services on the Heritage Open Days and visitors will be welcome but we ask them not to walk around the church during these services.
