Escomb is situated two miles west of Bishop Auckland in the Wear Valley. The church was built around 675 AD with stone probably from the Roman Fort at Binchester. It was originally thought that the church was an offshoot of one of the local monasteries eg Whitby or Hartlepool but this is only one of several possibilities as there are no known written records until 990 AD. The parish of Escomb and Witton Park is in a group with 3 other parishes, Etherley, Hamsterley and Witton-le-Wear.
Escomb church is on the national register of the Small Pilgrim Places Network. These places are small, spiritual oases, offering an atmosphere that encourages stillness, prayer and reflection for people of all faiths or none.
Vicar – Revd Claire Gibbs 07902745280 revcgibbs@gmail.com
Church Warden – Sue Thwaites 01388 608180 susan.thwaites@sky.com
Church Warden – Gill Beddow 01388 602860 gillbeddow@gmail.com
SERVICES
There is a Holy Communion service at 11am on the 1st, 3rd and 4th Sunday of each month.
On the second Sunday morning prayer is at 11am and Celtic Communion at 4pm
On the 5th Sunday there is a joint parishes service in various churches in our group. Please contact the vicar or Churchwarden for details.
WEDDINGS, CHRISTENINGS AND SPECIAL OCCASIONS
We are very happy to welcome anyone for weddings, blessings, christenings and other special services. Just contact the Vicar – Revd Claire Gibbs on 07902745280 or revcgibbs@gmail.com and we can try and work out how best to help you celebrate your special time.
LOCATION
Escomb is located 2 miles west of Bishop Auckland in county Durham. For a details of how to find us please visit the Directions page.
ACCESS
Keys available from 28, Saxon Green, Escomb and just let yourself in.
Summer 9.00am-8.00pm. Winter 9.00am-4.00pm
For a copy of the church’s Access Statement please follow this link Access Statement>>
Safeguarding
The parish takes safeguarding very seriously. The parish safeguarding officer is Sue Thwaites to whom all concerns should be addressed. She is available on 07909249582. The parish has adopted the Durham diocese Safeguarding Policy, linked here. Beth Miller is the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer on 07968034075; email: beth.miller@durham.anglican.org
GUIDED TOURS, EDUCATIONAL VISITS AND PILGRIMAGES
Details from the Tourism Co-ordinator, Mrs. Gill Beddow – Home Tel. 01388 602860 or email gillbeddow@gmail.com