The Church is said to be built on the site of an ancient Roman Camp, but very little is known of its history prior to the Reformation. Probably it was first built and maintained by the lord of the manor, but in the 12th Century it was given by William de Vesey to the monks of Alnwick Abbey, who most likely rebuilt it in its present form. The Transitional Chancel Arch dates from that period, and if you look at the outside of the north wall of the Nave, you will see traces of an arcade, indicating that at one time there was a North Aisle to the Church.
The Sanctuary was refurbished in 1938 when the East Window, the Altar, Panelling, Communion Rails and Priests' Desks were given in memory of Adam Scott.
The Chancel has four mediaeval tomb covers let into the floor. The pair on the North side are marked 'His' (a sword or possibly a spade) and 'Hers' (a pair of scissors). The arch on the south side probably housed a tomb.
The Transept contains some interesting 18th Century monuments and also a Piscina showing that it has been a chantry chapel.
The Font bears the date 1664 and was put there during the Civil War. (Oliver Cromwell is said to have visited Little Ryle which lies on the Parish boundary). The Coat of Arms connects the Church with the Percy family who have long been the Patrons of the Living.
The Monuments to the West of the Font are interesting, particularly the one where the mason became bored before he came to the end of the inscription and just added 'and so forth'.
The Windows are filled with plain glass in the traditional Northumbrian pattern.
The Silver consists of
a Chalice inscribed 'The Gift of Mrs. Collingwood of Unthank to Alnham Church Anno Xti 1788'; a Paten 'Presented to the Parish of Alnham by the Rev. G. Selby Thompson, Vicar 1885'; a Flagon 'Given to Alnham Church by the Congregation and Friends 1875. Mr. Lazenby, Vicar, Wm. Brown, Church Warden'; a Wafer box 'Presented to the Vicar of Alnham for use at the Holy Communion 1933'. In 1961 a Baptismal Shell was given by a friend of the Parish.
The Registers date back to 1688, and the Vestry Minute Books to 1775.
The Bell is inscribed. Alnham Nov. 1759'.
The Organ was replaced in 2003
The Parish extends for 12,389 acres, reaching almost to the summit of Cheviot in the North. Since 1959 the Benefice has been united with Alwinton and Holystone, covering an area of 120 square miles. Then in 2004 the Parish of Upper Coquetdale was created, which subsumed Alwinton and Holystone as well as Alnham, which all merged with Rothbury, Thropton and Hepple.
Restorations. Throughout its history the Church has had to be repaired and maintained, cleaned and heated. The Minute Books of the 18th Century read like those of the 20th. After the last war the Church was in a bad state. In parts, the roof was open to the skies. In 1948 the parishioners raised about £800 to put the Chancel in order. In 1953 a private benefactor carried out extensive repairs to the rest of the building. Between 1960 and 1964 the parishioners raised some £4,000 and with it installed electric light and heat, reroofed and receiled the Nave, Transept and Vestry, and redecorated the Church.
The Plan is here ->St Michael and All Angels Alnham Our Churches |
