pulpit are crafted of oak and were created around the year 1630. The tower seen on the church was believed to be built in the early 13th century, at the same time as the South Aisle. The tower was originally topped with a wooden spire, though it has been reported as missing as early in the 15th century. The cause is unknown though is thought to be a fire. In its place, a 4th storey was built, to accommodate bells. Henry VIII’s Commissioners found “two bells in the steeple”. These were later removed when Aycliffe was occupied by Cromwell’s troop. Two of the bells now in the tower were made in 1664 and the third in 1869. In 1881 & 1882, a major restoration project took place, involving removing the plaster from the walls, restoring the nave and chancel roofs, renewing the aisle roof, adding the organ chamber and adding the vestry. Naming Prior to the foundation of Newton Aycliffe in 1948, the village was just known as "Aycliffe", "Village" being added to distinguish it from the new town. Features The village features a church, a primary school, a hair salon and two local pubs; The County and The Royal Telegraph. More Information A half mile walk to the West through part of the adjacent industrial estate will bring you to the Locomotion One, which went up for sale in 2017 before eventually shutting down. It is located on the line of the original Stockton and Darlington Railway. Current Today's Aycliffe Village is a mixture of cottages, old houses and new builds. On the whole, its architecture is varied with some houses dating back several hundred years to a small amount of relatively new-build properties. Although, unfortunately the village is cut by a main A class road, the A167. The variously aged developments all form a unified village community. The village also features a large industrial estate, which connects the village to nearby town Newton Aycliffe. Many large companies and factories have sites on this industrial estate, including 3M, Ebac, Gestamp and Husqvarna References External links Villages in County Durham Newton Aycliffe