Architectural Features
some C13 and C19 windows.
![See [[7087438]] and [[7091044]]. The inscription, first noticed by a schoolboy in the 1960s, reads "Bono rei publicae nato" - to the man born for the good of the state. The stone may originally have formed the base for a Roman statue, or possibly an ornate milepost erected in honour of the Emperor or some notable servant of the Empire.*
* Source: Booklet “The Saxon Church Escomb – A Guide for Pilgrims” [original text by the Rev N Beddow, revised 2015].](https://storage.googleapis.com/natbase-94192.firebasestorage.app/observations/2B8bxkdFrRaNBKHKuJcfbhTowL22/1775989376196_7091055_f30b4d3a.jpg)
MATERIALS: irregular courses of squared sandstone, including stones of Roman origin probably from Binchester, with quoins and ashlar dressings.
See [[7087438]] and [[7091044]]. The inscription, first noticed by a schoolboy in the 1960s, reads "Bono rei publicae nato" - to the man born for the good of the state. The stone may originally have formed the base for a Roman statue, or possibly an ornate milepost erected in honour of the Emperor or some notable servant of the Empire.* * Source: Booklet “The Saxon Church Escomb – A Guide for Pilgrims” [original text by the Rev N Beddow, revised 2015].
![See [[7087438]]. Pevsner says that "the chancel arch with its plain asymmetrical responds may have been removed complete from the Roman site at Binchester, but the long-and-short work of the jambs looks characteristically Saxon"*. The quality of the stonework is so fine that no mortar was needed in its construction. The traces of abstract "scroll-work" design on the plaster on the underside of the arch are reckoned to be 15th C** - see also [[7092342]].
* The Buildings of England – County Durham. 2nd edition 1983, revised by Elizabeth Williamson.
** Source: Booklet “The Saxon Church Escomb – A Guide for Pilgrims” [original text by the Rev N Beddow, revised 2015].](https://storage.googleapis.com/natbase-94192.firebasestorage.app/observations/2B8bxkdFrRaNBKHKuJcfbhTowL22/1775989377374_7092337_b6fa1019.jpg)
All quoins up to raised eaves are of Saxon type, massive stones set with long face to alternate sides.
See [[7087438]]. Pevsner says that "the chancel arch with its plain asymmetrical responds may have been removed complete from the Roman site at Binchester, but the long-and-short work of the jambs looks characteristically Saxon"*. The quality of the stonework is so fine that no mortar was needed in its construction. The traces of abstract "scroll-work" design on the plaster on the underside of the arch are reckoned to be 15th C** - see also [[7092342]]. * The Buildings of England – County Durham. 2nd edition 1983, revised by Elizabeth Williamson. ** Source: Booklet “The Saxon Church Escomb – A Guide for Pilgrims” [original text by the Rev N Beddow, revised 2015].
Chamfered surround to C19 round-headed east window and to medieval lancets in chancel and south-east nave, and wide pointed arched C19 window with plain stone surround at centre of south wall.
Chancel has re-used Roman gutter stones set vertically above east window, and blocked north door.
At lintel level between them a carved stone with round sundial with, around the upper part, a curved serpent-like animal with tassel-like tail hanging at right and pointed head at left.
High up towards east, a re-used Roman inscription LEG VI set upside down.
Blocked north chancel door has thin lintel and jamb stones with simple carved tree at right.
Porch contains fragments of carved stone, including inhabited vine from a cross shaft, and other objects from site and from excavations, with explanatory panels. (Surtees H C: History of the Parish of Escombe (with photographs of church): Mainsforth: 1922-: 11-26