Treasures from the Parish Chest: exploring North Yorkshire’s church history from archives to architecture
The finest Perpendicular Gothic church in the county, with beautiful Medieval stained glass
Though an earlier church stood on this site, the building was completely reconstructed in the 15th century, creating the most spectacular example of late-Medieval church architecture in North Yorkshire.
The moves to replace the Norman church originated from the founding of a chantry by Robert Thirsk, who died in 1419. A licence for the complete rebuild of the church was then granted in 1431, and work commenced from the west with the rebuilding of the tower. The chancel at the east end can be dated to c.1460 and the majority of the building was completed by about 1480. There are some surviving furnishings from this period including some beautiful Medieval stained glass and parts of the impressive font cover.
Largely rebuilt over a period of about 50 years in one complete building scheme, the 15th century church is architecturally balanced
Like many churches, St Mary’s went through a period of restoration during the late-19th century. Lithographs and drawings from c.1840 held in the parish collection show us what the interior looked like by the early-Victorian era. During the 18th century, the nave was filled with box pews facing the pulpit which had been located on the northside of the nave. These images also suggest that the chancel arch may have been rebuilt in the Georgian era. It is distinctly Neoclassical in appearance and certainly not 15th century. The original arch may have had a structural failure and thus needed replacing, although we do not know for sure.
In the 1870s, the church was sympathetically restored by the great Gothic Revival architect George Edmund Street. The chancel arch was replaced in 1877 with one which mirrored the form of the 15th century east window.
All photograph and text of Thirsk, St Mary © Sophie Cawthorne
Further information about Thirsk, St Mary
North Yorkshire County Record Office online catalogue listing of parish records for Thirsk, St Mary [PR/TH]
Thirsk, St Mary entry in A Church Near You
National Heritage List for England Thirsk, St Mary Grade I listed building description
Church of England Church Heritage Record for Thirsk, St Mary
North Yorkshire Archives Blog 