IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Thornley, Tow Law, BISHOP AUCKLAND, DL13 4NX

This lovely tree, surrounded by crocuses (croci) is opposite the Parish Church of St. Bartholomew. Technically it was still winter when this was taken but the temperature was a balmy 14°C.

This is Thornley in West Durham, not to be confused with its larger namesake also in County Durham. A confusion over the two occurred in 2001... see http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1373113/Dale-hamlets-tidy-tribute-is-erected-in-the-wrong-village.html Also see Image http://www.keystothepast.info/durhamcc/K2P.nsf/K2PDetail?readform&PRN=D6895

Thornley is a small village in County Durham lying to the south of Tow Law.

This gargoyle is on the church tower of St. Bartholomew in Thornley Village, County Durham. See Image http://www.keystothepast.info/durhamcc/K2P.nsf/K2PDetail?readform&PRN=D6895

Looking down from Thornley Park. Weardale beyond.

There are two places in County Durham called Thornley. This Thornley, in West Durham, is much smaller than the other; both have a link with coal mining, in this case a history as long ago as 1569. The village itself has an even longer history, the earliest reference to Thornley is in a land grant of 1070-80. The church was built in 1838 as a simple stone building. It was almost doubled in size in 1842 and altered to give a Gothic appearance. In 1891, the tower, octagonal steeple and outer door were added. Thornley is approached by single track roads. The road into the village is marked as a cul-de-sac so is easily missed. http://www.keystothepast.info/durhamcc/K2P.nsf/K2PDetail?readform&PRN=D6895

The church was built in 1838 as a simple stone building. It was originally a chapel for the nearby church at Wolsingham. It was almost doubled in size in 1842 and altered to give a Gothic appearance. In 1891, the tower, octagonal steeple and outer door were added. The tower is castellated and the gargoyles can be clearly seen. The stone pillars at the corners are a mystery to me. If you know the answer then please tell me and I will update this. http://www.keystothepast.info/durhamcc/K2P.nsf/K2PDetail?readform&PRN=D6895 Thanks to Dave Hitchborne for the "castellated info".

The house in the middle distance gives every appearance of being a converted chapel.

Gravestones of the south side of St. Bartholomew's Church.

The rather plain monument in the small settlement at Thornley stands at a road junction a short distance from the village centre.