St Brandon

early C13 aisled nave with late C13-early C14 east bay and transepts

aisles widened and extended to engage tower in C14

chancel rebuilt, south transept extended to east and north chapel and nave clerestory added in C15

c.1630 north porch

Chancel roof 1638 by Robert Barker for Rector John Cosin.

Interior: Pointed double-chamfered arches to tower, 3-bay nave arcades and chancel, the latter arch moved one bay to east in late C13.

Elaborate C15 wood nave roof with carved bosses.

C15 ribbed wood tunnel vault, between south transept and chancel, has bosses with shields, crocketed extrados and crowning angel bust.

Woodwork: Reredos re-uses C15 Perpendicular panelling.

Altar in south transept by Thompson of Kilburn made from C14 Flemish chest with Flamboyant tracery.

Superb fittings with elaborate carving installed by Cosin c.1630-40 in two distinct styles: 1) contemporary Jacobean with strapwork and Classical motifs (nave pews, box/family pews and pulpit)

2) conscious Gothic Revival with poppyheads, tracery, some Classical motifs and strapwork (font cover, rood screen, choir stalls and chancel panelling).

1628 6-leg Communion table and contemporary rail.

1638 chancel roof has flat rib vault and ceilure above altar with lierne ribs and bosses with winged angels.

2 carved wood fragments above chancel arch: 1) with Gothic ribs, cresting and Instruments of the Passion (possibly contemporary with the Cosin fittings)

Font cover raised on 4 iron posts in 1972 by G.G. Pace.

Monuments.

Large cross-legged stone effigy of Robert Neville died 1319.

Recumbent wood effigies of Ralph Neville died 1484 and his wife.

Stone tomb chest of Ralph Neville died 1523.

Brasses to Thomas Claxton died 1403 and Richard Drax died 1456.

Several C17 and C18 floor slabs and wall monuments.

Glass: 3 possible Flemish roundels in north aisle window

Note: John Cosin , Rector of Brancepeth 1620-46 and Bishop of Durham 1660-72, was responsible for sumptuous fittings in several churches in the County including the Cathedral.