St Michael
Rossington, Yorkshire
Welcome, come and enjoy our lovely old church of St Michael situated in the village of Old Rossington near Doncaster.
Finig Lei (a clearing in the Fens) is mentioned in the Doomsday Book.
The main nave dates from 1280, as does the arch opening to the 14th century chancel. The north aisle was added in the 15th century. The porch was added in 1855. There are three bells hung in the tower, two are dated: one 1621 the other 1700. Martin Frobisher, a noted Admiral of Queen Elizabeth I was given the manor of Finningley as a reward for his exploits, and his descendents held it until the end of the 17th century. The Dutch Engineer Cornelius Vermuyden acquired the land while attempting to drain the fens to the east of the village.
There are many interesting things to see. Inside the porch are some interesting carvings, they are 700 year old coffin lids. The doorway into the church causes much discussion as to whether it is Norman or Saxon. Inside is a Norman Tub Font, which at one time had a heavy cover with a Witchlock. The pulley can still be seen. There is a large black Charity Board (re-painted in 2000) which goes back to 1608 showing details of monies to be distributed to the poor.
The nave roof was not made for the church, but possibly brought from a large hall to replace an earlier one. It has an interesting carved boss, which may be a green man. The chancel roof has 23 bosses depicting flowers, a King (probably Edward lll), a Bishop (Bishop John of Thoresby?) and twin priests. The east window depicts realistic scenes of a battlefield and is a memorial to those who served in World War I and the 22 local men who did not return.
The only old glass left is a 15th century medallion at the top of the north window in the chancel which is said to depict John the Baptist in his hair coat. There is a 17th century pulpit and four arches on the south wall of the chancel, containing a double piscine and three sedilia.
The old churchyard is now managed as a conservation area. A new churchyard is through a lychgate and there is a small Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery mainly for those airmen who died during World War II and servicemen who have died since.
