Medieval ruins linked with legend of worm may be sold

The Church of All Saints, at Sockburn, near Darlington, is a scheduled ancient monument dating from early medieval times.

The site is of great historical importance and value because, according to legend, Sir John Conyers, who slayed the Sockburn Worm in the 14th Century, was buried there.

Author Lewis Carroll was raised in nearby Croft on Tees, where his father was the rector, and it is thought the Sockburn worm was his inspiration for the poem Jabberwocky, later published as part of his novel Alice in Wonderland.

The site contains the remains of the 13th to 15th Century church, as well as a collection of stone effigies in nearby Conyers Chapel.

The site is on English Heritage's list of sites most at risk of decay.

It belongs to the Diocese of Durham's Finance Board, but has fallen into disrepair.

Diocesion secretary Jon-athan Cryer said they could not get on to the site to carry out works because it was landlocked and the only access road, which is private, was unsuitable for vehicles.

He said the surrounding land was owned by Brian Cracknell, of Sockburn Farm, with whom they are negotiating to gain access.

Mr Cracknell has put in a bid to buy the church site.

Mr Cryer said: "At the moment, we are negotiating with Mr Cracknell on the access issue and about the bid he has made to buy the site.

"The matter is also in consultation with English Heritage, because clearly it wants to ensure whoever owns the site protects it as a scheduled ancient monument."

A spokesman for English Heritage said: "We have been in discussion with the current owners, the diocese, and offered a grant towards first-phase repairs for the church, and we would hope to see it repaired before it is sold.

"Ultimately, although this may be a lot further down the line, we would hope to see public access restored and some interpretation put in place to help visitors understand the site."

Mr Cracknell declined to comment on his bid to buy the site.