The Vicarage at Burnhope was built in 1868 by the Ecclesiastical Commissioners at a cost of £1,600.
It contained five living rooms and six bedrooms, besides a scullery, bathroom and an attic.
The walls are two feet thick and more in places. The building stands at the eastern end of the village. On a clear day, its elevated position affords a view of the sea, at Seaham Harbour, which is about 16 miles away as the crow flies.
Reverend W Chapman was vicar of St Johns from 1902 to 1926
Such a large, imposing house was necessary as the vicar had much entertaining to do, and often had many people staying with him in connection with his work. The Reverend Val Green, who was Burnhope St. John’s vicar between 1932 and 1969, became the Rural Dean and Honorary Canon of Durham Cathedral, so had many guests to entertain at the Vicarage.
