27. St Michael's Church, Coxwold, North Yorkshire Helmsley, Coxwold, Rievaulx, Kirkbymoorside Pictures-Views-Scenes-Images-Photos-Photographs-webshots Ryedale District, North York Moors, North Yorkshire, Northern England

Coxwold and surrounding area

27. St Michael's Church, Coxwold, North Yorkshire

St Michael's Church, Coxwold, cuts a striking figure on the village skyline, particularly with its unusual octagonal tower.

St Michael's Church, Coxwold, cuts a fine striking figure on the village skyline, particularly with its unusual octagonal tower. Full details of the church are given in a detailed guide pamphlet available in the church so PLEASE purchase it and leave a donation for the upkeep of this wonderful historic building and part of the amazing church heritage of North Yorkshire and England. (for more on a circular walk from the village see page 25 and for more views of the village buildings see page 26)

The earliest mention of a church on this site dates from the 757 AD. All previous churches were replaced by this medieval perpendicular style building.

Details of the gargoyles on the roof The richly early 15th century carved pointed arches of the main south door entrance, fitted with what seems an equally ancient door .... .... held together at the back with some trellising!

Left: Details of the gargoyles on the roof. Centre: The richly early 15th century carved pointed arches of the main south door entrance, fitted with what seems an equally ancient door .... Right: .... held together at the back with some trellising!

Looking down the nave through the chancel arch to the alter and east window above it.

Looking east down the nave through the chancel arch to the alter and east window above it.

Various monuments to the Belasyse (Belasis/Bellasis)-Fauconberg-Wombwell family who held the estate of Newburgh Priory and were Lords of the Manor.

Various 17th-20th century monuments in the chancel to the Belasyse (Belasis/Bellasis)-Fauconberg-Wombwell family who held the estate of Newburgh Priory and were Lords of the Manor. The chancel was rebuilt by Thomas Atkinson in 1774.

Looking west down the nave to the back gallery in front of the arch into the base of the tower.

Looking west down the nave past the box pews to the back gallery in front of the arch into the base of the tower. The magnificent nave ceiling of 1904 is made of oak trees from the Newburgh Estate but the decorated bosses are the originals from the 1420 ceiling depicting various coats of arms (armorials) of prominent 15th century families in Yorkshire e.g. Percys, Nevilles, Mowbrays etc.

The top traceries of the north facing stained glass windows contains sections of the original medieval glass, whose simplicity contrasts with the more elaborate Victorian stained glass below.

The very top traceries of the north facing stained glass windows of the nave contains sections of the original medieval glass, whose simplicity contrasts with the more elaborate Victorian stained glass immediately below.

The top traceries of the north facing stained glass windows contains sections of the original medieval glass, whose simplicity contrasts with the more elaborate Victorian stained glass below.

Stained glass window, Victorian?

Stained glass window, date?, restored 2004.

The font, date?

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* Page updated July 20th 2008 * EMAIL Phil Brown * digital images snapshots photographs pictures views scenes views pics photos snaps webshots © Phil Brown docspics 2008 *