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St Denys's Church, York facts for kids

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St Denys Church, York
St Denys Church York.JPG
St Denys Church, York
53°57′26.27″N 1°4′34.61″W / 53.9572972°N 1.0762806°W / 53.9572972; -1.0762806
OS grid reference SE 60713 51574
Location York
Country England
Denomination Church of England
History
Dedication St Denys
Architecture
Heritage designation Grade I listed
Administration
Parish York St Denys
Deanery York
Archdeaconry York
Diocese Diocese of York
Province Province of York

St Denys' Church, York is a Grade I listed parish church in the Church of England on Walmgate in York.

History

It was built on the site of a Saxon church and possibly of a Roman temple (the earliest records date from c. 1154). Inside some of the earliest stained glass in York can be found: the sculpted Norman doorway and 15th century heraldic roof are also noteworthy features. The figure of St Denys can be seen in the 15th-century east window – fewer than 40 English churches are dedicated to this French saint.

The church was originally a lot larger than it is now, as part of the church subsided after the king's fishpool was drained; another part gave way shortly after as a sewer was being built nearby and the current main entrance is situated where a window used to be. Originally it also had a spire but, unfortunately, between the 17th and 18th century it was hit by a cannon shot and struck by lightning. The spire was only removed 20 years later after being partially blown down.

The church was rebuilt in 1798 and then in 1846 - 1847 there were further alterations including the rebuilding of the west end and tower, and north and south arcades under the supervision of the architect Thomas Pickersgill.

Burials

Memorials

  • Robert Welborn Hotham c. 1806 by Fisher
  • James Melrose (d. 1837) by Plows
  • Rev John Walker, Rector, (d. 1813)
  • Dorothy Wilson (d. 1717)

Organ

The previous pipe organ was built by Thos. S. Hughes of Bradford and dates from 1925. A specification of the organ can be found on the National Pipe Organ Register.

In 2017/18 the organ was replaced by the 1879 Father Willis organ formerly at St Ebbe's Church, Oxford.

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