Originally attached to the medieval community of Tynemouth Priory, the first parish church of Tynemouth stood within the walls of Tynemouth Castle.
North Shields, Tyne & Wear
During the troubled times of the Civil War, parishioners were frequently prevented from worshipping there, and in 1652 Oliver Cromwell's commissioners decided that a new church was needed outside the castle walls. In the 1650-60s, Christ Church was built in the plain style of a Presbyterian preaching house, with four arms of equal length and a pulpit in the centre.
The church proved popular and soon had to be expanded to accommodate the growing congregation, and by 1793 the four corners had been extended, the walls raised and galleries built above the north and south aisles; in 1869 the chancel was also expanded. Edward Hodgson, Cordwainer of North Shields and an early founder of this church, has his 1690 burial south of the distinguished tower. The organ is at the west end in the last surviving gallery.
North Shields, Tyne & Wear
Standing out from the rest of the buildings in the square, St Columba's is the rather grand permanent home to several Presbyterian and Congregational meetings, the first founded near the river in 1662 by early Nonconformist Dissenters.
North Shields, Tyne and Wear
Cullercoats, Tyne & Wear
Some call it the Cathedral at the coast, a beacon to local people with its high spire and spectacular architecture.
