All Saints' Pavement

3:25pm Monday 8th May 2006

York is in the enviable position of having two All Saints' churches within the confines of its city walls.

To be found on Pavement, this All Saints' church is said to be the resting place of 39 Lord Mayors, and is the Guild Church of York.

Steeped in history, the earliest mention of the church was in the Domesday Book, when the Bishop of Durham held the patronage of the rectory. It is worth a visit solely for the octagonal lantern tower.

This was used in medieval times to hang a lamp that acted as a beacon for travellers in the Forest of Galtres to the north of the city.

Unfortunately, other parts of the church have not stood the test of time so well. The chancel was removed in 1782 to enlarge the market place, and the northern and southern parts were also lost in the 17th century for street widening.

However, the curious 12th century brass door knocker representing the mouth of hell and a 10th century Anglo-Danish grave cover, in carved stone, have survived.

The pulpit, with sounding board, dates from 1634, the lectern and ceiling is 15th century and the west window 14th century.

There are four 19th century windows by the renowned Victorian stained glass window maker Charles Kempe.

Further details:

All Saints' Pavement, High Ousegate

Open: Mon-Sat 8am-5.30pm for visitors. Services Sundays 8.30am Holy Communion, 10.30am Eucharist or Matins and Communion, 6.30pm Evensong. All from the Book of Common Prayer.

Admission: Free.

Disabled access: For services on request.

Contact: Church warden (01904) 654818.

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