a-t, north porch of church, inside; u-y, Bede Monastery Museum, Jarrow Hall (y, no. JG.76. AF.505)

Stuart (1867) states that many stone balusters found in nave walls when they were taken down. Confusion, however, as to exact number: Boyle (1885) stating nineteen, Hodges (1893) twenty-one, and Hodgkin (1913) twenty-two complete and four smaller and fragmentary. y: Discovered in 1976 in modern overlay during archaeological excavations at Jarrow Slake, south of church site.

St Paul

Seventeen whole, eight fragments (see measurements). Some worn

The seventeen complete examples are of a standard height and, where this can be checked, each have a hole at one end (diameter 5 cm (2 in)), presumably for fitting on a lathe. The profiles conform to one of three types (see Figs. 9–10):

Type i (Fig. 9): d, f, h, l, n, r, u, x, and probably also a and v

Type ii (Fig. 9): b, g, j, o, w, and probably m and y

Type iii (Fig. 10): c, e, i, k, p, q, s, t

The uniform height of these pieces makes it likely that they were all part of one feature. They differ markedly from the Monkwearmouth pieces in that only types ii and iii have the close incised lines and none have the sharply angled bands (Introduction, Figs. 9-10). The coarser, more rounded outlines could indicate a deterioration of technique, or could be due to the difference in stone type (soft limestone at Monkwearmouth and sandstone at Jarrow). The Jarrow balusters, with single mouldings and deep uncarved areas at the top and bottom, could point the way to the later type of mid-wall shafts which are not lathe-turned (see Greatham 3). The relationship of the uniform balusters to the `lintels' with balustrade ornament and the other friezes is uncertain, but it appears likely that those at Jarrow (nos. 25-9) are attempts to copy the modes of enclosing the altar and perhaps a schola cantorum, such as existed in contemporary Roman churches.

Seventh to eighth century

Stuart 1867, 44-5; Boyle 1885, 209-10, pl. facing 210; Allen 1889, 197; Boyle 1892, 582; Hodges 1893, 154; Savage 1900, 40-1; Hodgson 1906-11b, 149-51; Rose 1909, 23; Hodgkin 1913, 173; Howorth 1917, II, 292; Brown 1925, 257-8; Clapham 1930, 116; Booth 1933, 43; Rivoira 1933, 146; Gilbert 1951-6, 314; Pevsner 1953, 175; Colgrave and Romans 1956, 27; Fisher 1962, 76; Cramp 1965b, 30; Taylor and Taylor 1965, 348