St George's Roman Catholic Church, York facts for kids
St George's Roman Catholic Church is a special church in the heart of York, England. You can find it on George Street. This church was designed by a famous architect named Joseph Hansom. It was once the main church, or "pro-Cathedral," for the Diocese of Beverley before another big church was built.
Contents
The Church's Story
How St George's Began
The name of St George's Church comes from a much older church from the Middle Ages. That old church, called St George at Beanhills, closed down in 1547. You can still see its old churchyard across the street from the current St George's. Some people even say that Dick Turpin, a famous person from the 1700s, is buried there!
People raised money, about £1,200, to build this new church in York. It was built to replace an older, smaller chapel. St George's was mainly built to help the many Irish Catholic people who had moved to the Walmgate area of York. The church first opened its doors in September 1850. It served as the main church for the area until St Wilfrid's Church opened in 1864.
Building and Design
Who Designed the Church?
The church was designed by Joseph Hansom and his brother, Charles Francis Hansom. They used a style called "Early Decorated Gothic," which means it looks like old English churches with beautiful details. The first stone for the church was placed on October 25, 1849, and the building was finished just one year later. Joseph Hansom also designed the house where the priest lives, called the presbytery, in 1858.
Special Features Inside
The main altar inside the church is made of a type of stone called Caen stone. It was moved forward in 1972. Another cool part of the church is the Rood Screen. This is a beautiful wooden carving from a place called Flanders, and it's now above the door to the sacristy (where the priests get ready). The large window at the east end of the church was inspired by a design from a famous artist named Pugin. The special memorial windows in the Lady Chapel were made by the Barrett family and paid for by several important families from the area.
Inside the Church
- Reredos (a decorated screen behind the altar)
- Altar (the table where services are held)
- Lady Chapel (a special area dedicated to Mary)
- Stations of the Cross (pictures or carvings showing events from Jesus's last day)
Church Leaders
Current Parish Priest
- Very Rev Canon Jeremiah Twomey is the current leader of the church.
The Church Organ
The organ in St George's Church was fixed up in 2004. It's very old and is actually the oldest organ in the entire city of York!
Schools Connected to the Church
St George's Church used to have two schools linked to it: a primary school (for younger kids) and a secondary school (for older boys). The primary school started in 1852 and moved to Fishergate in 1977. The secondary school closed in 1985. Both schools were once located on Margaret Street.
Images for kids
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St George's church
