Early Anglo-Saxon churches in the UK often had a north door entrance to the nave of the church. Although not considered to be significant at the time, later medieval superstitions led to the north door of a church being known as “The Devil’s Door.”
The Devil’s Door was intended to be left open during any infant baptisms in the church, so that any evil spirits could escape as the child was christened. In medieval times, the north side of the church was considered to be the “sinister” side (Latin: sinestre = left), the side where the evil spirits could hide in the shadows of the building. Following the Reformation (1530s), many of these doors were removed or blocked up.
The north side of a church yard had similar connotations, as it was sometimes used for the burial of suicides, criminals, and infants who had not been baptised.
I learned all of this while visitng Escomb Saxon Church near Bishop Auckland, England. Escomb Church is considered to be the best preserved Anglo-Saxon church in England. The following images of the church are my contribution to this week’s Thursday Doors blog, published by Norm Frampton.
Beautiful photo and informative post! Thanks for sharing!
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Thanks for your comments. It is always good to find a story behind a door.
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Interesting! Thanks for the story!
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Thanks for your comments.
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The north door. I learned something. Thanks.
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Yes. Me too. You are welcome.
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Must still be an active church with the extra chairs in the isle. 🙂 Great post!
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Yes, the church still holds regular services. Thanks for your comments.
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What a lovely chapel and thanks for sharing the information!
janet
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Thank you for your comments.
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