St Peter's Church, Barnburgh facts for kids

Quick facts for kids St Peter's Church, Barnburgh
53°31′24″N 1°16′16″W / 53.5234°N 1.2712°W / 53.5234; -1.2712
OS grid reference	SE 48413 03211
Denomination	Church of England
Churchmanship	Broad Church
Website	www.barnburghandharlington.co.uk
History
Dedication	St Peter
Architecture
Heritage designation	Grade I
Designated	5 June 1968
Administration
Parish	Barnburgh
Deanery	Wath
Archdeaconry	Doncaster
Diocese	Sheffield
Province	York

St Peter's Church, Barnburgh is an old and important church located in the heart of Barnburgh village. This village is close to Doncaster in South Yorkshire, England. The church is part of the Church of England and serves the communities of Barnburgh and Harlington. It is especially famous for a cool story called the 'Cat and Man' legend.

What the Church Looks Like

St Peter's Church has a tall tower with four main parts, topped by a small, short spire. Inside, you'll find a main hall called the nave, with walkways on its north and south sides called aisles. There's also a special area near the altar called the chancel, which has another aisle or chapel on its north side. You enter the church through a porch.

The church building is made from two types of stone: sandstone and magnesium limestone.

How Old is St Peter's Church?

People believe there has been a church on this very spot since around 1150 AD. That's over 870 years ago! However, none of the original church building from that time is still standing today.

The Cresacre Chapel

On the north side of the chancel, there's a special private chapel. This chapel belonged to the Cresacre family. The Cresacres were important lords of Barnburgh from the 1200s to the 1500s. Most of this chapel is taken up by a large tomb. This tomb belongs to Sir Percival Cresacre, who passed away in 1477, and his wife, Alice, who died in 1450.

The Exciting Cat and Man Legend

The 'Cat and Man Legend' is a famous story about events that supposedly happened a very long time ago, even before the 1400s. Back then, the Cresacre family lived in a big house called Barnburgh Hall.

The Knight's Journey Home

The legend says that a knight from the Cresacre family was riding home late one night. Many people believe this knight was Sir Percival Cresacre, but some aren't so sure. He was on a dark, wooded path leading from Doncaster, through places like Sprotborough and High Melton.

A Fierce Fight

As the knight got closer to Barnburgh, something amazing happened. A huge wildcat (some say it was a lynx) suddenly jumped out of a tree! It landed right on the back of his horse. The horse got scared and threw the knight to the ground, then ran away.

The wildcat then turned on the knight, and a long, dangerous fight began. The knight and the cat battled each other all the way from a place called Ludwell Hill to the village of Barnburgh. That's about a mile of intense fighting!

The End of the Battle

After fighting the cat for a whole mile, the knight tried to reach the porch of St Peter's Church. He probably hoped to get inside and close the door to escape the animal. But the fight had been so tough that Sir Percival collapsed, dying, right there in the church porch. In his very last struggle, he stretched out his feet and crushed the wildcat against the wall of the porch.

So, the legend tells us, the cat killed the man, and the man killed the cat. They were both found later by a group of people who went looking for the knight after his horse returned home without him.

Evidence of the Legend

If you visit St Peter's Church, you might notice some interesting things. There are stones in the floor of the porch that have a reddish color. People say this is where the knight and the cat had their final struggle. Also, if you look at the statue of the Cresacre knight inside the church, you'll see a cat carved at his feet. This is thought to be a reminder of the famous legend.

See also

• Grade I listed buildings in South Yorkshire
• Listed buildings in Barnburgh