In 1207 King John confirmed Hartburn to Tynemouth Priory. In 1255 Henry III gave it to St. Albans to provide the monks and their guests with a competent supply of 'bread and ale'. Skeletons in the tower foresically dated pre-1100 suggest Waltheof as donor and Tynemouth Priory as builder. Two daggers above a Maltese Cross on the doorpost tell of a Knights Templar Preceptory here in 1250 and the early English architecture speaks of little subsequent change. Of special interest are the Masons' marks, carved heads, fish, Napoleonic banners and Florintine lamps. The light airiness of the building contributes to its frequent description -' serenity', 'peacefulness'. The churchyard contains many fascinating memorial stones from 1693.
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