West Park URC
Harrogate, Yorkshire
An imposing structure at the entrance to a new show avenue, namely Victoria Avenue, linking the two ancient villages of High and Low Harrogate.
The original church, possibly dedicated to St Michael was eventually gifted to the Trinitarian Order of St Robert of Knaresborough (a local hermit knight well regarded for his holy life and works) at which time the dedication was changed.
The tower holding six bells dates from the 12th century; there are remnants in the chancel of the sedilia and piscina from a time when the chancel was lower than today; an ancient font and a fragment of medieval stained glass from the Priory of St Robert in Knaresborough shows the coat of arms of St Robert.
There is a delightful 19th century nativity east window and a considerable number of items of Robert Thompson 'Mouseman' furniture to be discovered and admired. Memorials to the Bentley family, for generations the lay rectors of the parish are mounted in the chancel.
The church survived pillage and burning by marauding Scots, and now has a handsome nave roof recently repaired with assistance from National Churches Trust. The church sits in a lovely churchyard with many interesting (and some very old) gravestones witnessing the long history of worship on the site.