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Chillingham is a small, unspoilt
village with an historic church, large Castle and the world famous
Chillingham Wild
Cattle.
The village was owned by the Grey
family for some 700 years after they "acquired" the "mansum of
Chevelynhghame", apparently by murdering the heir and then one of them
marrying the daughter! In 1695 the then Lord Grey was created Earl of
Tankerville and the family has been associated with Chillingham ever
since.
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The Chillingham Fountain can be found at the top of the road leading to the Church. Its restoration is part of the Chillingham Heritage Project, one of the projects identified in the recent Parish Plan.
The fountain has, over the years, fallen into disrepair and if remedial work is not undertaken soon it will be beyond repair and lost for ever. The fountain was erected in 1866 by G. Wyatt and Son of Oxford in memory of Rev. William Dodd, who died in the village while being the Parish Vicar. The inscription on the monument is no longer legible by the naked eye but research from the library reveals the following wording:
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"In remembrance of the Rev. William Dodd, M.A., and for the fulfilment of a wish expressed by him, has this Fountain been erected, as a slight token of love and affection. He was formerly, and for many years, vicar of this parish, having been previously well known in Newcastle-upon-Tyne and its neighbourhood, for the discharge of his duties in Church and School. His breadth of mind, his acquaintance with Oriental, as well as Modern Literature, his generous disposition, and warmth of heart, endeared him to many friends, to whose deep sorrow, he, for health's sake, seeking the more genial climate of the South of France, died May viii., MDCCCLXVI, aged lxii. At Nice his body rests in the hope of a blessed resurrection." (603 letters)
Over the years, the local residents have cleaned the fountain and tried to prevent it falling into ruin. We did win the Village Venture Competition in 1985 – however it is now at the stage where only professional restoration can help.
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Chillingham Church
St Peter's Church
dates from Norman times. The vaulted crypt was added in the 16th Century
and the classical belfry was erected in 1753.
Between 1829 and 1839 the
Church was restored and much of the older part was removed. There is a
painting by John Varley which shows the interior before these alterations.
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South of the Chancel is a magnificent sandstone tomb supporting the reclining alabaster
figures of Sir Ralph Grey, who died in 1443, and his wife Elizabeth. Under his red tabard, Sir Ralph is wearing a suit of plate armour. His feet rest on a lion and his head on two cushions. His wife wears a flowing mantle over sideless coat and her feet rest uon two little dogs. A point to note is that she wears a ring.
The tomb was built around 1445 and the sides are richly decorated with fourteen figures of saints in niches separated by angels.
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A very useful pamphlet guide describing what is to be seen in the church has been produced and is available on entry to the church.
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