These four windows were installed in St Bartholomew’s Church, Thornley in 1866 and 1868 respectively in memory of local landowners H J Spearman and George Wilkinson. When Thornley church was demolished several years ago, they came under the ownership of the demolition contractor responsible for pulling the church down. A member of Wheatley Hill Heritage Society felt strongly that the windows should be kept in this area, and with financial assistance provided by Thornley Parish Council, was able to buy them from the demolition contractor. The Heritage Society have tried for a number of years to find homes for the windows and when Barry Swinburn, a local glazing contractor showed us how successful the restoration of the round window was, Rev Jane Grieves of All Saints, Wheatley Hill, was eager to offer the Wilkinson window a temporary home in the Church. The three Spearman windows are in the Heritage Centre and all look splendid.
A special opening in both the Heritage Centre and All Saints Church took place on Saturday morning, 25 March for visitors to examine the windows and to see what an excellent job Barry Swinburn and his colleague Chris have made of this restoration. The Wilkinson window was also blessed by the vicar at the event.
The funding to carry out the work provided by the County Durham Community Foundation (Wind Farms Fund).