All Saints' Church, North Street, York facts for kids

Quick facts for kids All Saints' Church, North Street, York
All Saints' Church, North Street, York
53°57′30.4″N 1°5′10.3″W / 53.958444°N 1.086194°W / 53.958444; -1.086194
Location	York
Country	England
Denomination	Church of England
Churchmanship	Traditional Catholic
Website	allsaints-northstreet.org.uk
History
Dedication	All Saints
Architecture
Heritage designation	Grade I listed
Administration
Parish	All Saints, North Street, York
Deanery	York
Archdeaconry	York
Diocese	Diocese of York
Province	Province of York

All Saints' Church is a historic Church of England church located on North Street in York, North Yorkshire. It's a very important building, recognized as a Grade I listed building, which means it's considered to be of exceptional interest.

A Look at the Church's History

This church has been around for a long time! The oldest part, called the nave (the main part where people sit), was built way back in the 12th century. Imagine how many people have walked through its doors since then!

Early Building and Changes

The arched walkways inside, called arcades, were added in the 13th century. Later, in the 14th century, the east end of the church was rebuilt, and special small chapels were added.

In the 15th century, a small building was put up at the west end of the church. This was for an anchorite – a person who chose to live a life of quiet prayer and solitude, often staying in one small room. A special opening, called a squint, was made in the wall so the anchorite, named Emma Raughton, could see and hear the church services without leaving her room. This special room was rebuilt in 1910.

Victorian Restoration Work

Between 1866 and 1867, the church got a big makeover! This was done by architects JB and W Atkinson from York. During this time, the south aisle wall was rebuilt, and a porch and a vestry (a room for the clergy) were added.

Half of the roof was replaced, and new seats were put in for everyone. The old pillars and walls were cleaned up, and a new organ was installed. The total cost for all this work, including the new organ, was about £1,500. That was a lot of money back then!

Later Updates and a Special Resident

The beautiful screen in front of the chancel (the area around the altar) was put in place in 1906. It was designed by E. Ridsdale Tate, who also rebuilt the anchorite's house in 1910.

Starting in the early 1930s, a man named Brother Walter Wilman lived in that small anchorite room. He was a former cloth worker and a lay reader (someone who helps with church services). Brother Wilman lived in the tiny 8-by-10-foot room until he passed away in the 1970s. He lived a life of religious thought and prayer, but he could still have visitors and watch the church services from his room. The church had another restoration in 1991, led by architect Peter Marshall.

Amazing Stained Glass Windows

All Saints' Church is famous for its incredible collection of medieval stained glass. Many people say it has the best collection in York, apart from the huge York Minster! Most of these beautiful windows date back to the early 14th century.

Famous Windows to See

One of the most well-known windows shows scenes from a story called Prick of Conscience. This window was made around 1410.

Another very famous window is called "The Corporal Acts of Mercy." This window shows six of the seven acts of mercy, like feeding the hungry or visiting the sick. It's a bit of a mystery why the seventh act (burying the dead) isn't shown. This window also shows the Blackburn family, who were important traders in York at the time. Nicholas Blackburn, who was the mayor of York, is thought to have paid for this window.

A List of the Stunning Windows

As you walk through the church, especially in the north aisle, you can see these amazing windows:

• A set of 15th-century coat of arms
• The St Thomas window, from around 1410
• The Corporal Acts of Mercy window, from around 1410
• The Prick of Conscience window, from around 1410
• The Lady Chapel east window, from around 1330
• The Chancel east window, from around 1410
• The south aisle east window, from around 1350
• The St Michael and St John window, from around 1430
• The Nine Orders of Angels window, from around 1410
• The St James window, from around 1410

Memorials

Inside the church, you can find memorials to many people from the past. These are like special plaques or carvings that remember important individuals. Some of the people remembered here include:

• John Etty (died 1709)
• Revd. John Stoddart
• Joan Stoddart (died 1599)
• James Pennyman (died 1699)
• Joshua Witton (died 1674)
• William Stockton (died 1471)
• Robert Colynson (died 1458)
• Thomas Clerk (died 1482)
• Thomas Askwith (died 1609)
• Charles Townley (died 1712)

The Church Organ

The church has a pipe organ that was built by a company called Forster and Andrews in 1867. You can find more details about this organ on the National Pipe Organ Register if you're interested in how it works!

Images for kids

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  The nave and chancel, showing the main part of the church.

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  A mural memorial dedicated to John Etty, who passed away in 1709.

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  The impressive pipe organ inside the church, built by Forster and Andrews.

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  The Coats of Arms window

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  The St Thomas window

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  The Corporal Acts of Mercy window

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  The Prick of Conscience window

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  The Lady Chapel east window

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  The great east window

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  The South aisle east window

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  The St Michael and St John window

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  The Nine Orders of Angels window

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  The St James' window