St Peter ad Vincula Church on the Village Green in Thornaby is of 12th century origin but a place of worship is said to have existed on the site at the time of the Domesday Book, 1086.
The unusual dedication to St. Peter ad Vincula (St Peter in chains) is derived from the ancient Basilica of San Pietro in Vincoli in Rome. The Basilica is said to house the relic of the chains that bound St Peter when he was imprisoned in Jerusalem, the episode is called the ‘Liberation of Saint Peter.’
Originally dedicated to St Mary Magdalene, the church in Thornaby consists of a simple nave, porch and bell turret with seating accommodation for 80 people. A small cemetery of 6 acres opened in 1869.
On the outside wall are two stones, one with a runic inscription the other with a carved design.
Did you know... Grace Pace the mother of Captain James Cook was born in Thornaby and was christened in St Peters in 1702?
