Saint Oswald's Church, Durham

Saint Oswald’s Church is a welcoming stop for visitors exploring the city’s medieval lanes and riverside walks. This active Church of England parish is a Grade II* listed building whose story reaches back to the late 12th century, and it remains dedicated to Northumbrian king and saint, Oswald. Step inside and you’ll find a lived-in church with regular worship, music, and community life alongside centuries of craftsmanship.

Much of what you see today reflects later chapters in that long history. The church was rebuilt in 1834 by the Durham architect Ignatius Bonomi, and in 1864 Charles Hodgson Fowler reshaped the tower and chancel and added an organ chamber. Don’t miss the stained glass: the west window (1864–66) is by Morris & Company, with panels by Pre-Raphaelite associate Ford Madox Brown; elsewhere you’ll spot work by Kempe & Company and by Clayton and Bell.

Saint Oswald’s also tells a modern story of resilience and music. After a 1984 fire damaged the organ and part of the chancel, a new Peter Collins instrument-specified by the longtime organist David Higgins-was installed in a west gallery and restored in 2019. The church now belongs to the Three Saints benefice and was, until recently, shared with Durham’s Eastern Orthodox community. Music lovers may recognise the name of hymn-writer John Bacchus Dykes, who served here as vicar from 1862 until his death; he is buried nearby.