Parish Notes Northumberland
[Population 1911: incl. with Matfen]
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All Saints Ryal (in former days spelt Ryall) was built in the middle twelfth century. Standing high on a floor of Ingoe stone, it was earlier destroyed by the Scots in 1296. After years of desolation it was restored in 1878 and the main Norman features were preserved, the grandest of these being the bell tower and beautiful arched doorway. Ancient monuments were set into the west wall, thus preserving history. The beautiful bell, which can be heard for miles around was presented by two brothers. In 1879 dedication took place, and today 'All Saints' Ryal, after an inside restoration in 1971 still functions fortnightly. [The Newcastle Diocesan Gazetteer (1982), page 40.]
A framed notice near the door reads:
* * All Saints Ryal * * This ancient church has stood since Norman times surviving numerous Border raids and was built on the site of an older Saxon Church. It is hoped that visitors will not leave without a prayer for those who worship here and those who have loved their church and are now at rest. Please bear in mind if you have been interested in this sacred history in stone that this church is not endowed but is maintained entirely by the voluntary contributions of the small community of Ryal. V.R. Hill: Vicar |
A brass tablet near the pulpit reads:
and in Memory of THE WORKPEOPLE WHO DIED DURING THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE WHITTINGTON TUNNEL AND AQUEDUCT WORKS 1901-1905 THIS TABLET AND PULPIT WERE ERECTED BY FRIENDS MICHAEL MINIGHAN AGED 50 ELLEN BAPTIST AGED 13 JOHN SCOTT " 63 ELIZABETH HART " 4½ EDWARD SMITH 'PUNCH' " 63 ELLEN LOUISA COLEMAN " 1½ WILLIAM HIRON " 50 ERNEST BOOTH INFANT ROBERT PAGE INFANT |
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A stone (table) monument cemented into the north wall of the chancel and partly hidden behind the organ reads:
Here lies ye Body of Joseph Stott who Dyd April ye 9d 1756 Aged 67 Years MARRY his Daughter dyd Octobr ye 17 1757 aged 19 Years Ann Wife to the above Joseph Stott obt june 11t Æt 80 |
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