St Helen
Auckland, County Durham
The church is a grade I listed building dating to the late 12th century and early 13th century.
St Thomas dates from about 1200 AD and occupies a prominent place on the north side of the market place in the town of Stanhope in Weardale. Weardale is part of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and European Geopark (an area with globally important geology). The famous fossil tree, two hundred and fifty million years old, stands in the churchyard. Historically, because of income from lead mining, Stanhope used to be the richest living in England. Many Bishops of Durham were also Rector of Stanhope. Inside the church are many items of interest, including a Roman altar with inscription, a Saxon font and a Frosterley marble font. The Victorian west window includes 14th to 16th century glass of national importance from the original west window. We have accessible records of burials together with a map showing all the grave plots in the churchyard, making it easy for people in search of their family history.