St George's Roman Catholic Church, York facts for kids
St George's Roman Catholic Church is a special building in the heart of York, England. You can find it on George Street. This church was designed by a famous architect named Joseph Hansom. For a while, it was the main church for the Diocese of Beverley, which is like a big church district.
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History of St George's Church
The name "St George's" comes from a much older church that used to be in York. That old church, called St George at Beanhills, closed down in 1547. You can still see its old churchyard across from the current St George's Church. Some people believe that Dick Turpin, a famous robber from the 1700s, is buried there.
In the past, there was a smaller brick chapel in York. People wanted a bigger church, so they raised £1,200 to build a new one. St George's Church was mainly built to serve the many Irish Catholic families who had moved to the Walmgate area of York. The church opened its doors in September 1850. It was the most important church for the Diocese of Beverley until St Wilfrid's Church opened in 1864.
Church Design and Features
Architecture Style
The church was designed by Joseph Hansom and his brother, Charles Francis Hansom. They used a style called "Early Decorated English Gothic." This means it has beautiful pointed arches, detailed stone carvings, and large windows, typical of churches built in England a long time ago. The first stone for the church was laid on October 25, 1849, and the building was finished in September of the next year. Joseph Hansom also designed the house next to the church, called the presbytery, in 1858.
Inside the Church
The main altar inside the church is made from Caen stone. It was moved forward in 1972 from its original spot. Another interesting part is the Rood Screen. This is a beautiful wooden carving that came from Flanders, a region in Europe. It is now placed above the door to the sacristy, which is a room where priests prepare for services.
The large window at the east end of the church was inspired by a design from a famous architect named Pugin. The special memorial windows in the Lady Chapel were made by the Barrett family. These windows were paid for by important families like the Palmes family of Naburn, the Dolmans of Pocklington, and the Coxes of Herefordshire.
Important Parts of the Interior
- Reredos (a decorated screen behind the altar)
- Altar (the table where services are held)
- Lady Chapel (a special area dedicated to Mary, mother of Jesus)
- Stations of the Cross (a series of pictures or carvings showing events from the last day of Jesus's life)
Church Leaders
Current Parish Priest
- Very Rev Canon Jeremiah Twomey is the current Parish Priest.
Past Parish Priests
- Rev Fr. Patrick Hartnett
- Rev Fr. Timothy Bywater
- Rev Fr. Austin O'Neal
- Very Rev. Canon Alan Sheridan
The Church Organ
The organ in St George's Church is very old. In fact, it is the oldest organ in the city of York. It was carefully repaired and restored in 2004 so it could continue to be played.
Schools Connected to the Church
St George's Church used to have two schools connected to it. There was a Primary school for both boys and girls, which started in 1852. It moved to Fishergate in 1977. There was also a Secondary school just for boys, which closed in 1985. Both of these schools were located on Margaret Street.
