St Matthew High Elswick
11 Summerhill Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear, NE4 6EJ
An unusual square shaped church hidden amongst houses, the battlements and pinnacles of the tower are an important feature of the city skyline. Built between 1878 and 1905 the architects loyalty to the catholic renewal of the Church of England can be seen in the decorative pillars around the sanctuary and the wide aisle suitable for large processions.
Five windows by George Eamer Kempe include the large East window which features a genealogy of Christ. There are also windows featuring Northumbrian saints.
The decorative font cover came from the now demolished St Cuthbert's church, Melbourne St. The fittings in the sanctuary, including the reredos, were made by Hicks and Charlewood to Johnson's designs in memory of the architect and were given by his family. Between the choir stalls there is a memorial to Fr Daunt, the first vicar who died suddenly in 1883. The stonework around the chancel including the pulpit and gates were installed in memory of Fr Churchyard, the second vicar, who died in 1905.
Timings & Tours
- Friday 13 September:
- Church open 1030 - 1330, Said Mass 1130-1145
- Saturday 14 September:
- Church open 1000 - 1800, Sung Mass for Holy Cross Day 1100 - 1200 followed by soup and a roll until 1330
- Sunday 15 September:
- Low Mass 0900 - 1000, High Mass 1030 - 1145, Church Open from 1200 - 1700
Location & directions
11 Summerhill Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear, NE4 6EJ
- Directions:
- St Matthew’s sits at the top of Westgate Hill just off the junction of the West Road and Elswick Road in Summerhill St. 5 minutes walk from St James Metro Station (through the University); 10 minutes walk from Monument (Metro) Station and Central Station (mainline and Metro). Buses 10, 11 and 38 come to Big Lamp from the City Centre. Parking restrictions apply in Summerhill Conservation Area, please ask for a parking permit at the door. Drive along Rye Hill and turn into Houston St (by St Pauls school). At the end of Houston St, turn left and then 2nd right into Summerhill St.
- Contact on day:
- Fr R Deadman
- Telephone number:
- +441912329039
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
Unfortunately, owing to the lie of the land on which it is built, St Matthew’s is difficult to enter for people with walking disabilities. There are four steps at the West Door and lots more at the South Door. We have a ramp, which can very quickly be put in place at the West Door. Please enquire inside the church or in advance if you require the ramp. Once inside, most of the church is on one level. The choir and sanctuary area have three steps up.
