History of St Helen Auckland
The Parish church of St. Helen Auckland, a Grade 1 listed building, was erected nearly 900 years ago, in the Transitional Style, between Norman and Early English. It was built at about the same time as the 12th century Banqueting Hall of Auckland Castle, which is now St. Peter’s Chapel. It was probably built in the time of Bishop Hugh de Pudsey (1153 – 1195) who promoted English Gothic architecture.
It may be that the monks who lived in the East Deanery in South Church may have followed the River Gaunless to St. Helens and built the first place of worship. It is possible that it was built on the site of an earlier church or a preaching cross. The location of the church here, rather than in the larger settlement of West Auckland is strange, particularly since the parish used to extend, prior to 1863, much further westwards than it does today. A possible reason for this is that it represents the Christianisation of a pagan sacred place. Early St. Helen dedications are thought by some to be connected with the Celtic water goddess, Elin. Many St. Helen dedications are associated with springs and wells.
The oldest parts of the present church, dating from the middle of the twelfth century, are the two easternmost bays of the nave, with the western pillars of the nave being part of the original west wall. The aisles were added around 1170. The population of the parish in the early 13th century was presumably expanding since an extra western bay was added c. 1220
The chancel and the side chapels were added soon after 1220. On either side of the Chancel there are two arches. There are primitive carvings on their octagonal capitals. The nature of the carvings would suggest that the chapel on the south side was dedicated originally to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
It may be that the monks who lived in the East Deanery in South Church may have followed the River Gaunless to St. Helens and built the first place of worship. It is possible that it was built on the site of an earlier church or a preaching cross. The location of the church here, rather than in the larger settlement of West Auckland is strange, particularly since the parish used to extend, prior to 1863, much further westwards than it does today. A possible reason for this is that it represents the Christianisation of a pagan sacred place. Early St. Helen dedications are thought by some to be connected with the Celtic water goddess, Elin. Many St. Helen dedications are associated with springs and wells.
The oldest parts of the present church, dating from the middle of the twelfth century, are the two easternmost bays of the nave, with the western pillars of the nave being part of the original west wall. The aisles were added around 1170. The population of the parish in the early 13th century was presumably expanding since an extra western bay was added c. 1220
The chancel and the side chapels were added soon after 1220. On either side of the Chancel there are two arches. There are primitive carvings on their octagonal capitals. The nature of the carvings would suggest that the chapel on the south side was dedicated originally to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
St Helen's Historical Gallery
