St Cuthbert
Bellingham, Northumberland
With its unique stone roof this is a straightforward and honest medieval church in which you can be yourself.
St Peter's is situated in the heart of the picturesque village of Falstone. Little is known about the prereformation chapel at Falstone (Fawe Stone) although it existed prior to 1541, sometime after which it appears to have fallen into disrepair.
In 1650 the parliamentary commissioners recommended that 'the chappell at Falleston be rebuilt and made the parish church thereof', but this was not carried out. In 1709 onwards rebuilding was undertaken and the chapel was used by the Presbyterians. A new 'English Chapel' was built around 1725 within the graveyard of the present church, probably just south of the existing church. In 1824, on the advice of the Greenwich Hospital agent, an entirely new church was built at a cost of £1,040. The Rectory House was built for a further £1000 and the Rector took up residence.
In 1879 records show that the church was renovated throughout by private contribution but on the night of the 26th November 1882 as a consequence of overheating of the flue from the warming apparatus, the floor ignited. Fortunately the fire was discovered, not, however until it had scorched the ceiling, but by the prompt action of the villagers it was extinguished before very little material damage was done. However on the 26th December 1890 a fire ignited again this time destroying almost the entire church only the walls of the tower remained. A comprehensive record of the rebuilding of the new church and its reopening was made by the Hexham Courant newspaper in the edition of the 28th May 1892.
Immediately after the fire the respected and worthy Rector of the parish at the time, Revd R Picton along with the churchwardens and the parishioners got together to raise the funds to start rebuilding the church. Messrs Plummer and Burrell of Newcastle prepared the plans and work soon started to rebuild the church. The church was consecrated on the 25th May 1892 and dedicated to St Peter. This service was led by the Bishop of Newcastle: George Henry Stanton. After the service a public tea was held in the Rectory Room and the Revd R Picton gave details of the rebuilding.