Gates, Gatepiers, Wall Steps And Mounting Block East Of Church Of St Cuthbert

The gates, gatepiers, wall, steps, and mounting block located east of the Church of St. Cuthbert date from the mid-18th century, with the retaining wall constructed around that time. Steps and a mounting block were added around 1763. The gatepiers and the northern end of the wall, which features piers, were built around 1740. The gatepiers were relocated in the late 18th century, and the wall was partly rebuilt in the early 20th century. The late 18th-century gates were renewed in 1934.

The structure is made of sandstone, with Coade stone finials, and features a brick mounting block and raised sections of the walls. The north end of the wall is constructed of coursed random rubble. Steel gates are present, and the walls run between the southeast corner of the churchyard and the northernmost pier. The gatepiers are vermiculate-rusticated and sit on roll-moulded plinths. The pedestal finials are adorned with carved skulls and crossed bones on the east and west faces, as well as flaming Roman oil lamps on ogee stems.

The gates consist of two leaves, side panels, and an overthrow, accessed by four steps with a coped string and glinters. The segmental overthrow features central winged angel heads, arrowhead crestings, and scrolls decorated with water leaves. Similar ornamental details are found in the double lockrail of the gates and in the flanking panels. Fleur-de-lys motifs are positioned above the lockrails, with waterleaf pendants hanging from the top rails. The walls have chamfered copings, except at the north end. There are remains of similar piers with short ramped ashlar walls adjoining the inner faces at each end of the northern part of the wall.