Building
The first buildings on the site were erected in Saxon times. Records show there was a church or chapel of some sort here in AD998, and that it was consecrated during that year (24 September [2] ). The original structure was likely constructed in wood, which has not survived. The church was granted to Leeds Priory around 1137. [5] The building has been expanded, adapted and updated many times since then.
The earliest surviving fabric, located on the southwest side of the south chapel, dates from the early 13th century. The chancel and south chapel were extended in the late 13th century, while the four-bay nave, south aisle, and porch were rebuilt in the early 14th century. The east window of the chancel and the west window of the nave are perpendicular insertions from the mid-15th century, as is the large carved arch with a square hood-mold and quatrefoils above the south porch. The west tower was raised around 1475, constructed of fine ashlar masonry with a large plinth, angle buttresses, and a semi-octagonal stair-turret on the southeast. [5]
Inside, a fine two-tier carved Jacobean pulpit, dated 1630, stands on a tester. The Royal Arms of Queen Anne are displayed over the south doorway. [5]
In 1840, major restoration work was carried out in a rather unskilled way. Many images, crosses, piscinas, and other pieces were repositioned in places soon deemed unsuitable. [4] As a result, the chancel and chapel were both rebuilt in 1870 by Ewan Christian, who retained the 14th century sedilia which stands between the two. They form a stone bench with two quatrefoil openings cut through the backrests, giving a view into the chapel. [5]
There is an ancient Yew by the porch that is estimated to be over 1500 years old, predating the church. [4]
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