Church of St Mary Magdalene
The Parish Church of St Mary Magdalene, Whalton, is on raised ground to the south of the village providing a local landmark seen from many miles away. It is next door to Whalton Church of England Primary School. A Grade 1 listed building, its tower and origins are probably 11th century, and the west respond (a half-pillar or half-pier attached to a wall to support an arch) of the north aisle is 12th century. This is thought to illustrate that there was at least a north aisle by the early 12th century but its present form results from extensive remodelling in the 13th century. There are elements of the building that survive from this time including the double chamfered three bay arcades and the west lancets of the aisles. To the north is the Ogle Chapel, with at its east end, a large corbel with the Ogle arms. The Ogle Chapel includes early armorial floor slabs of 1564, 1566, and 1613, and early 19th century wall monuments to the Ogle family by E H Baily, a prodigious public sculptor probably best known for his sculpture of Lord Nelson in London’s Trafalgar Square.
The chancel windows, which date to an 1890 restoration by Hicks and Charlewood, are augmented by 14th century reticulated tracery in the chancel’s east and south aisle east windows.
The font dates from the 1400s.
The church clock, still in working order, is an example of an 18th century single handed clock face on the east side of the tower.
A detailed guide of its history and architecture by Dr Geoffrey Briggs is available in the church.
Regular services are at 10.30 on the second and third Sunday of the month, celebrating Holy Communion and Morning Prayer. Each month there is a service of All Age Worship, celebrated in church with the school children from Whalton Church of England Primary School. They also take part in many other activities including Easter, Harvest Festival, Remembrance Day and Christmas. They have designed guides to the village which are available in the church.
Many visitors come to see the historic church and The Whalton Christ, a unique combination of photographs of the Whalton community that together make an image of the head of Christ. It was created for the Millennium. The church is very popular for wedding ceremonies and Whalton Village Hall provides a very good venue for a wedding reception.
Whalton is one of five churches in the Benefice, the others being: St Andrew’s, Bolam; St Giles, Netherwitton; St Andrew’s, Hartburn and St John the Evangelist in Meldon. They are all in regular use, of significant historic interest and extremely picturesque. Please go to the church’s website to find out more: www.mitfordandwansbeckchurches.com
The church and its community play its part in the annual Whalton Village Show (usually the third Saturday in September) and various other fundraising events.
Ministry team:
Priest in Charge – Rev. Elaine Jones.
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; Telephone: 07521 106158
Associate Lay Minister – Mrs Pam Walker.
Telephone: 01670 772301
The Benefice Newsletter covers St Mary Magdalene, Whalton and the other parishes in the Benefice. The latest edition of the newsletter is available on the home page of the church’s website: www.mitfordandwansbeckchurches.com
To view the church from above please click on this link: Aerial View of Whalton Church
