St John's Church, Micklegate, York facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St John’s Church, Micklegate, York |
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Church of St John the Evangelist | |
![]() St John’s Church, Micklegate, York
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53°57′26.8″N 1°5′07.6″W / 53.957444°N 1.085444°W | |
Location | York |
Country | England |
Previous denomination | Church of England |
History | |
Status | Parish church |
Dedication | St John the Evangelist |
Architecture | |
Functional status | Cocktail bar |
Heritage designation | Grade II* listed |
Designated | 14 June 1954 |
Architectural type | Parish church |
Style | Gothic |
Closed | 1934 |
Specifications | |
Number of towers | 1 |
St John's Church, located on Micklegate in York, England, is a very old and important building. It used to be a parish church for the Church of England. Today, it is recognized as a Grade II* listed building, which means it has special historical or architectural importance.
Contents
History of St John's Church
Early Beginnings: 12th to 15th Century
This church has a long history, starting way back in the 12th century. The oldest part you can still see is the bottom of its tower. Later, in the 14th century, the chancel (the area around the altar) was built. During the 15th century, parts of the church were rebuilt and made bigger. This included the north aisle and the arches that separate it from the main part of the church. The west end of the building was also extended.
Changes and Repairs Over Time
In 1551, the church's tower sadly fell down. After this, some parts of the north aisle had to be rebuilt again. Many years later, in 1850, the church got a big makeover. An architect named George Fowler Jones helped with this. During this time, a new porch was added on the south side, and the east end of the church was rebuilt. They also put in new windows, a new floor, and new seats for people. In 1866, another company from York, J. B. and W. Atkinson, put a new roof on the main part of the church.
Modern Use of the Building
The church stopped being used for regular services in 1934. After that, a group called the Institute of Advanced Archaeological Studies used the building to keep their historical collections safe. Later, it became a place for art and performances, known as the York Arts Centre. More recently, the building has been used as a bar, showing how old buildings can find new purposes over time. In 1960, the east wall was rebuilt to make the nearby Micklegate street wider, and a new porch was added.
Memorials Inside the Church
Inside St John's Church, you can find special plaques and stones that remember people who lived long ago. These memorials tell us about some of the individuals connected to the church's past. Some of the people remembered here include:
- Nathaniel Wilson (who passed away in 1726)
- Elizabeth Wilson (who passed away in 1736)
- Sir Richard Yorke (who passed away in 1498)
- John Scott (who passed away in 1775)
- Christopher Benson (who passed away in 1801)
- Anne Haynes (who passed away in 1747)
- Elizabeth Potter (who passed away in 1766)
- Luke Thompson (who passed away in 1743)
- Grace Potter (who passed away in 1776)
- Thomas Bennett (who passed away in 1773)
- Elizabeth Bennett (who passed away in 1825)
The Church Organ
The church once had a pipe organ that was built in 1866 by a company called Postill. If you are interested in learning more about this specific organ, you can find details about it on the National Pipe Organ Register.