Church of All Saints, Helmsley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of All Saints, Helmsley |
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The church, viewed from the south
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 Church of All Saints, Helmsley
Location in North Yorkshire
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| 54°14′49″N 1°03′45″W / 54.2469°N 1.0625°W | |
| OS grid reference | SE 620 789 |
| Location | Helmsley, North Yorkshire |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Churchmanship | Central |
| History | |
| Status | Parish church |
| Founded | 12th century |
| Dedication | All Saints |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Heritage designation | Grade II* |
| Designated | 4 January 1955 |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Helmsley |
| Deanery | Northern Ryedale |
| Archdeaconry | Cleveland |
| Diocese | Diocese of York |
| Province | Province of York |
The Church of All Saints is an old and important church in the town of Helmsley in North Yorkshire, England. It's a parish church, which means it serves the local community. You can find it near the market square and Helmsley Castle. This church is dedicated to All Saints and has been part of the Church of England for a very long time, since the Reformation. It's also a "Grade II*" listed building, which means it's a special historic place protected by law.
Contents
What's the History of All Saints Church?
There has been a church in Helmsley for a very long time. It was here even before the Normans took over England in 1066. In fact, the churchyard was used as a market in Anglo-Saxon times!
The church is so old that it has a special hogback gravestone in its porch. This type of stone looks like a mini stone house or a hog's back. A church in Helmsley was even mentioned in the Domesday Book in 1086. This book was a huge survey of England ordered by William the Conqueror.
In 1852–53, a new organ was put into the church. The first service with this organ was a big event. The choir from York Minster even came to sing!
The church was largely rebuilt between 1866 and 1869. This big project was paid for by the Earl of Feversham. It cost a lot of money, about £16,000 back then. Many changes were made during this time. Some older features, like the original medieval font, were replaced. The old font is now in a church in Pockley. However, the church gained beautiful new stained glass windows from Hardman & Co. of Birmingham.
In 1931, a new pipe organ was installed. This organ was made by Harrison & Harrison. It replaced an older organ from 1868. The new organ used some parts from the old one. This Harrison & Harrison organ is still used for worship today.
What Does the Church Look Like?
The Church of All Saints was first built in the 12th century. This was during the Norman period. You can still see two rounded Norman arches inside. One is over the entrance, and the other is over the chancel. Later churches used pointed arches, but Norman churches used rounded ones.
The church has a tall tower at the west end. It also has a main hall called a nave, a special area for the altar called a chancel, and side sections called transepts. There's also a vestry (a room for clergy) and a south porch.
The church was restored in the 19th century in the Gothic Revival style. This style brought back ideas from medieval Gothic churches. However, the builders kept some parts of the old Norman church. The church is made of sandstone and has a steep stone roof.
The tower has narrow windows from the 13th century. Other windows and features were added in the 19th-century restoration. The south porch has a round arch that leads to a 12th-century doorway. Some windows in the church have detailed stone patterns called tracery.
Old photos show that the roof was changed during the 1866–69 restoration. The church also had a decorative wall on the southern side with battlements, like a castle.
Inside, there are two special chapels. The north chapel is dedicated to Aelred. He was an important leader at Rievaulx Abbey. This chapel has a statue of the Virgin Mary and votive candles. The south chapel is dedicated to Columba. He was a missionary who helped bring Christianity to northern England. This chapel has wall paintings showing historical events. These include pictures of Saint Oswald and a knight fighting a dragon.
The church was given "Grade II*" listed building status on 4 January 1955. This means it is a very important historic building.
How Is the Church Used Today?
The Church of All Saints is still an active church. It has a regular group of people who attend services. About 70 people usually come to worship here.
Gallery
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Entrance Porch and Tower
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Nave
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Font
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Chancel and sanctuary
