St George’s Church, perched prominently on the North East coastline of England in the village of Cullercoats, stands as an emblem of ecclesiastical majesty, maritime heritage, and community identity. Overlooking the North Sea and visible for miles, its towering spire serves both symbolic and practical purposes—offering spiritual guidance and historically functioning as a navigation point for seafarers. Since its consecration in 1884, the church has played a central role in the religious, cultural, and architectural landscape of the region. It is not merely a house of worship, but a landmark of Victorian design and a treasured community asset.
Origins and Patronage
The history of St George’s Church is deeply entwined with the Percy family, one of the most influential aristocratic lineages in the North of England. Commissioned by Hugh Percy, 6th Duke of Northumberland, the church was built in memory of his father, George Percy, the 5th Duke. This act of devotion and civic generosity was emblematic of the Victorian era, a time when religious philanthropy and architectural patronage were common among the upper classes.
The foundation stone was laid on August 4, 1882, and the church was consecrated in 1884, just two years later. It was constructed at a considerable cost of approximately £30,000—a substantial sum at the time, reflecting both the ambition of the project and the importance of the church to the community and its benefactors. Its prominent position above Cullercoats Bay was not coincidental. The church’s 180-foot spire was intentionally designed to act as a visual landmark for fishermen and ships approaching Tynemouth and the River Tyne, highlighting the intersection between faith and seafaring life.
Architectural Excellence
The church was designed by the renowned architect John Loughborough Pearson, a leading figure of the Gothic Revival movement. Pearson was also the architect of Truro Cathedral, and his design for St George’s Church exemplifies his characteristic style: soaring proportions, elegant stone vaults, and a meticulous attention to Gothic detail.
St George’s is considered one of the finest parish churches in Northern England, if not the entire country. Built predominantly of local sandstone with ashlar dressings, the church features a graduated slate roof, buttresses, lancet windows, and richly ornamented Early English Gothic elements such as dog-tooth moulding, crocketed pinnacles, and lucarnes on the spire. The five-bay nave, south transept, and polygonal apse combine to form a powerful and cohesive spatial composition that feels more akin to a cathedral than a village parish church.
Inside, the architecture is just as striking. The stone vaulted ceiling rises with grace and strength, supported by cylindrical columns with intricately carved capitals. The church’s verticality creates a sense of awe, lifting the gaze and spirit upwards. The chancel is exquisitely detailed, featuring marble and terrazzo flooring, a Stanhope marble font, and a finely crafted stone pulpit and communion rail. The entire interior bears witness to the high standards of Victorian church building, combining devotional function with artistic splendor.
The Organ and Musical Legacy
St George’s Church is widely known for its strong musical tradition, a cornerstone of its worship and community engagement. This reputation is anchored by its magnificent pipe organ, constructed by Thomas Christopher Lewis between 1884 and 1885. Lewis was one of the leading organ builders of the 19th century, and his instruments are celebrated for their tonal beauty and mechanical reliability.
The organ, housed in the south transept, remains largely in its original condition. It features two manuals (Swell and Great), a pedal board, and mechanical action with pneumatic assistance for the pedals. The bellows are powered by an electric blower, though the original hand pump is still intact and operable. The instrument was restored in 1987 by Harrison & Harrison of Durham, ensuring that it continues to function at the highest musical standards.
Over the years, the organ has been at the heart of countless choral and instrumental performances. The church regularly hosts choral evensongs, Bank Holiday concerts, and seasonal recitals, drawing audiences from across the region. The choir of St George’s has also garnered acclaim, known for its clarity, discipline, and contribution to the liturgical life of the parish.
Stained Glass and Sacred Art
St George’s is also home to a rich collection of stained glass windows, many created by prominent artists of the late Victorian and Edwardian periods. Among them are windows by Charles Eamer Kempe, a highly respected ecclesiastical designer known for his vivid color palettes and symbolic imagery. His windows, often featuring saints, angels, and biblical scenes, are characterized by their intricate foliage, heraldic motifs, and deep hues.
In addition to Kempe’s work, the church also boasts windows by Leonard Evetts, an accomplished 20th-century designer who brought a more modern sensibility to stained glass art. Evetts’ windows reflect an evolution in style while maintaining a respect for sacred themes and craftsmanship.
Together, these windows transform the interior of the church into a canvas of light and color. As the sun moves through the sky, the shifting illumination animates the space, bringing stories of faith and hope to life in a visual symphony.
The Bells and Memorials
Although not a full peal of change-ringing bells, St George’s contains four fixed bells, installed in the tower and historically rung by hammers from the ringing chamber. Though not all are currently operational, the smallest bell is still in regular use, and efforts continue to maintain or restore the bell system.
Outside the church stands a poignant First World War memorial, erected in 1921. Made of Heworth stone, it features a crucifix and a bronze plaque commemorating the 83 men from Cullercoats who lost their lives during the conflict. The memorial is Grade II listed and was rededicated in 1989 following restoration. It serves as a reminder of the village’s sacrifices and the deep interweaving of national history with local memory.
Community and Conservation
Today, St George’s continues to serve as an active Church of England parish within the Diocese of Newcastle. Its worship style remains rooted in the Anglo-Catholic tradition, with a strong emphasis on sacramental liturgy, vestments, and choral music. Services include a quiet said Eucharist in the early morning and a more elaborate Sung Eucharist later in the morning, reflecting the diversity of worshippers’ needs.
The church is open daily, welcoming not just parishioners, but also tourists, walkers, and those seeking solitude or spiritual reflection. Its proximity to the Northumberland Coastal Path and Cullercoats Bay makes it a natural stopping point for visitors exploring the scenic coastline.
Supporting the church’s preservation is the Friends of St George’s, a registered charity dedicated to maintaining the fabric of the building and enhancing its role in the community. Since its founding in 2004, the group has raised over £100,000, funding roof repairs, stonework restoration, stained-glass conservation, and accessibility improvements. Their efforts, along with support from bodies like the National Churches Trust, ensure that the church remains structurally sound and spiritually vibrant.
A Living Heritage
St George’s Church is more than a relic of Victorian religious fervor; it is a living institution, evolving with the community while retaining its historical and spiritual core. It embodies the layered history of Cullercoats—from fishing village to coastal suburb—and bears witness to the enduring values of faith, beauty, and collective memory.
In a rapidly changing world, the church continues to offer a sense of permanence and peace. Its architectural splendor inspires awe, its music uplifts the soul, and its walls echo the prayers of generations past and present. St George’s Church remains not just a sanctuary for worship, but a beacon of light and resilience on the windswept edge of the North Sea.
https://www.stgeorgescullercoats.org.uk
