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NZ2364 : St Matthew's Church, Big Lamp, Newcastle NZ2364 : Interior of St Matthew's, Big Lamp, Newcastle

Many thanks to Roger and Christine for contributing these images of what is probably the finest post-medieval parish church in Newcastle. St Matthew's was designed by R.J. Johnson in 1877; the west tower, open inside to the full height of the nave, was added by Hicks & Charlewood in 1895 and they completed the west front in 1904. In its commanding position at the top of Westgate Hill the church is a notable landmark for travellers crossing the Tyne as they approach the city. Inside, the reredos of 1896 is a memorial to the original architect, designed by his successors. The font and cover are based on a 14th-century model but come from the demolished church of St Cuthbert in Melbourne Street, designed by A.R. Gibson in 1871. The east window of 1899, and the glass in the south aisle, are from the workshops of Kempe. (Information from Pevsner's Northumberland as revised by Grundy and others in 1992.) There are more detailed images of the interior on the church's own website.