THE HISTORY OF OUR CHURCH

St.Mary’s is a Grade 1 listed building and has been described as one of the finest medieval churches in Yorkshire. The oldest parts of the building date back to the time of the castle (1109). It was during the fourteenth and especially the fifteenth centuries that the church was considerably extended both upwards and outwards.

Built of magnesian limestone the church has a light and spacious feel. An unusual feature is the window above the Chancel Arch and this, together with the sixteen clear clerestory windows, gives a wonderfully open aspect inside. The tower, originally a rather squat Norman structure grew to its new height of 124 feet to dominate the town’s skyline. It is capped by what has been described as an ‘exuberant crown’.

The Tower now contains eight bells, the earliest dating back to 1726. A special feature is the carillon installed in 1896 which ring a different tune every four hours.

During the last quarter of a century both the East and West ends of the church have been remodelled to adapt the building for more flexible usage. Whilst the majority of the stained glass is of the late 19th century, the South Aisle windows each contain medieval glass- recently restored.

EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

St.Mary’s Church regularly hold events and activities for all of the community to join us in. Keep visiting here for regular updates.