Heysham Parish Church of St. Peter
The original foundation of the Church of St. Peter's, Heysham is of a very early date, probably seventh or eighth century. The first recorded date connected with the Church is 1080 when the site was that of an old Saxon church. There is evidence that there was an earlier church, probably built by the Angles in the seventh century. The reconstruction probably took place about the middle of the 10th century.
It was a barn-like building with masonry of rude axe-hewn stones, wide-jointed with almost imperishable mortar, and small doorways with single-stone arched headings. These doorways were on the north, south and west sides; that on the west being the only survivor in-situ. The east end would probably have had a screen wall with a small archway opening into an apse. The present chancel with its beautiful east and south windows was erected about 1340-50.
The west doorway, which is blocked up, is Anglo-Saxon in origin. The floor of the church is much higher inside than outside, and is flagged. Originally the floor inside the church would have been compacted earth.
In the 15th century, the south aisle was added, the Saxon wall being pierced by the gothic arches and pillars which today support the roof. The windows in the outer wall show the continued use of the round-headed Norman pattern. It is thought that the south aisle and the chancel arch were rebuilt between 1500 and 1540, judging from the mouldings and slight indications of perpendicular work. If so, much of the rough-hewn stone, and to some extent, the original type of work, have been employed over again.
The north aisle was added in 1864 when the church was extended and restored. An Anglo-Saxon doorway, discovered during these building operations, was rebuilt in the churchyard, stone by stone, by Rev. John Royds. The whitewash, which had covered the church was removed, and inside, two galleries, with their own entrances, erected as private pews, were taken down.
The pews in the chancel, now occupied by the choir, were previously occupied by, on the left facing the altar, the rector's family and servants. Opposite sat two of the most prominent families in the area. These pews were the most expensive, in days when pews had to be paid for.
Inside the church can be found evidence of the long past. The 'crusader's tomb' on the west wall, is a lovely carved foliated cross. The oak screen, which now stands below the chancel was wider. It is believed to have come from Cockersands Abbey, but there is no confirmation of this.
The hog-back stone, near the center south door, was found in the churchyard, but was taken inside the church in 1961 to prevent further erosion by the weather. It is viking in origin, and this dates it to the 10th century. It was most likely placed over the grave of some Viking notable.
It is not unique - there are other hog-backs in Penrith churchyard and at Gosforth, but what makes it special is its perfection. It is perhaps the best example of its kind in the country. It is believed that one side represents the dark side of life, and the other the joy of heaven.
There is in the churchyard, near the front gate, the remains of an Anglo-Saxon cross. It is ornamented with foliage scroll work, but on each side there is a different depiction. The top of the cross was probably used to support the porch. Carvings can be seen on the stones of the porch which match the cross. The main carving on the base is probably of Lazarus in his grave-clothes, and on another side is a haloed figure, which in certain lights looks like mother and child. This cross has given rise to a lot of speculation.
There are also in the churchyard, interesting grave covers of various dates. One of the graves with railings is of two teenage girls who were drowned on the incoming tide during the last century.
The earliest grave with a memorial stone is of the early 1700s on the east side of the church, and other graves of the period are close to the church. The flat topped graves are earlier than those with an upright stone. The lower graveyard nearest the sea was opened in 1903 and was quickly filled. The sea wall has been washed away in the past.
On the whole, the memorial stones remain simple, without angels or urns, and the atmosphere is one of timelessness and tranquility.
Sadly, the future for this wonderful old church is uncertain. The years have taken their toll, and the cost of maintenance and repair is immense. Funds are badly needed for essential repair work, both to the church and the churchyard due to coastal erosion. It would be a tragedy if this ancient church, with so much history were to be lost to future generations.