St Michael

St Michael's is a beautifully restored Norman church, originally built in the 12th century, and renovated between 1840 and 1844.

Interesting features include the highly ornate chancel arch is said to date from no later than 1150AD. The stained glass east window depicts St Michael slaying the dragon. This is a fine example glass of the period made in Belgium in 1862 by JB Carponnier.

The west tower dates from the 14th century and is a good example of perpendicular style. The earliest bell in the tower was cast in 1661 and bears the opening words of 'Venite Exultemus Domino' meaning 'O Come Let us Rejoice in the Lord'. The treble and number 2 bell were cast and hung in 1703 and 1754 respectively.

A vault is constructed below the chancel which houses the remains of the son of James Brown Esq, a local land owner who was a generous benefactor of the church.

The pulpit dates from the 15th century and is rather elaborate for the church. It was brought from the church of St Mary Magdalene at the Market Place in Doncaster, and was stored in the Corn Exchange for many years.

The font is a simple tub shape fashioned in one piece of wonderfully preserved sandstone lined with lead. It is the oldest item in the church and probably dates from late Saxon times. It currently houses a copper bowl standing on a wrought iron frame which is now used during baptisms.

The fine oak pews in the knave and transepts were made in the workshops of Thompson of Kilburn, known as 'Mousey Thompson'. On the ends of some of the pews can be seen his signature church mouse. The remaining pews date from the 19th century. The modern oak doors closing the old tower entrance at the west end, the door to the tower, the hymn book case, the umbrella stand and the screen to the vestry, all bear the signature of their maker, Martin Dutton, a former apprentice of Mousey Thompson. His mark is a lizard.