St Lawrence

The current stone built Norman church dates back to around 1150 AD, and the Norman pebble construction can be seen clearly. Much of the stone was brought from Roche Abbey in Rotherham. Building work continued throughout the centuries with the central tower, transepts and east end being constructed around 1400.

Three lancet windows survive at the west end, with those in the aisle being 14th century. The nave arcades are 13th century. The 19th century stained glass in the south aisle is by Kempe. In the year 2000 the Millennium Window was installed in the north transept.

The church is cruciform with a 100ft tall central tower. It bears the arms of the Savage family, one of whom was Archbishop of York from 1501 - 1507.

There are many things to see at St Lawrence’s. The carved wooden chancel screen is very fine, and dates from the end of the 15th century. A suit of 16th century armour, formally displayed in the south chapel and probably belonging to the founder of the Chancery is now on loan to the Royal Armouries in Leeds, as it was too fragile and important to keep in church. There is also a massive iron bound dug-out chest in the north aisle. It is formed from a single piece of oak and is of Norman workmanship. The chest originally had ten locks!