South Tyneside History
| Title | Whitburn Parish Church |
|---|---|
| Reference Number | STH0006602 |
| Photographer | Bardwell Keith |
| Town or Village | South Shields |
| Date | 1983 |
| Original Format | Colour Photograph |
| Period | The 1980s |
| Copyright | South Tyneside Libraries |
| Further Information | Whitburn Parish Church was built in the 13th century. Unusual in that it was not dedicated to a particular saint. Present church bulit 750 years ago with a low tower, to which an upper portion with a steeple was added in the 15th century. It was said that the steeple was used by seafarers as a navigation aid. On the south side of the church there is an old sun dial, the only way of telling the time in the village until 1753 when a clock with three faces was installed in the tower. Several mediaeval gravestones have been built into the church's walls. On the west wall there is a very rare example of a fish window, the enduring symbol of the Christian church. |
