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Bishop Bicup
Church
Photo of the
Bishop Bicup Church, and of the 'Monkwearmouth' masonry, that ties the two churches
together. diffused section is the 'newer' part of Monkwearmouth church, so
as to leave the 673ad part in focus |
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On the
Roman times page this site , the above pictured
church of 'Bishop Biscup' was recorded in the writings of the
'Venerable Bede' as being built in 674ad. This church is also dedicated to
St. Peter, and is at Monkwearmouth, which is now a suburb of Sunderland,
in Northumberland.
The cornerstones, shown above are the ones which Archaeologists cite as the 'proof
positive' that the same builders built both churches.
The similarity of dimensions of the Nave
was another link, within inches of each other. both of these links also
apply to a church at Ledsham, near Selby Fork, on the A1). This would put St Peter's Church Conisbrough at a date of creation c 680ad,
which is referred to on the Roman times page .
If you compare the stones of these two Churches,
you will see that they are both laid on
'edge' rather than 'flat'. Archaeologists call this 'Side alternate', St Peter's Conisbrough
are limestone, and the Monkwearmouth ones are a peculiar sandstone / ironstone appearance, but
it is the way that they are laid that is the 'link'.
Irene Barraclough commented that the Conisbrough stones are in better
condition than Monkwearmouth. The reason for this is that the Monkwearmouth stones have been outside for 1350 years.
As opposed to the Conisbrough stones which have been 'inside' since the 1200ad south aisle was built. This includes
obviously the whole of the 'Industrial Revolution', including it's
pollution.
Only the Tower and the wall featured in the
photo at Monkwearmouth, are from 674ad, hence Keith diffused the 'newer' part
so as to avoid confusion by the viewer.
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