This is why it annoys me when people say our little northern towns all look the same, disregarding the incredible architecture we walk by every day and dismiss. The Church of St Chad down a side road in Gateshead is a fine example!

This is another of the new age places of worship added as the Gateshead boundaries slipped further south into former agricultural lands. The land to build the church was granted by the former Liberal Gateshead MP Walter Henry James, with the cost brunted by Miss Emily Easton who lived nearby at Nest House. They owned Oakwellgate Colliery in yesteryear (https://www.northeastheritagelibrary.co.uk/coalsarchive/5616/oakwellgate-colliery), and she also left money for what would become Newcastle University.

It replaced a smaller St Chad's Mission Church, only erected a few years before in 1898 and opened by the Claytons of Wylam Hall. They were incredibly keen on planting their flag before the Methodists, and made an even bigger statement with this church 5 years later. Its a curious but exquisite example of a modern church built to reflect the styles of the 15th century, with its octagonal tower and battlements. Above the north door features the figures of saints with a carved surround below it. It was heaped with praise upon opening, and was consecrated by the Lord Bishop of Durham.

The designers responsible were Messrs William S Hicks and his brother in law Henry Clement Charleswood, the former dying just before completion. You will absolutely have seen one of their creations whether that's at Ashington, Holywell, Blyth, Hartlepool, Elswick, Middlesbrough, Darlington or Newcastle's city centre (the People's Kitchen!).