Church Of St Mary

SE 4282 THIRSK KIRKGATE 6/59 (west side) 20.6.66 Church of St Mary GV (formerly listed as Church of St Mary Magdalene) I

A fine perpendicular church, outstanding in the region. Begun at the west c1430, progressed eastwards, being completed in the later C15 as indicated by the flatter chancel window arches. Restored by Street 1877. Possible fragments of earlier building visible on west wall of nave. Sandstone ashlar. Lead roofing. Trefoil pierced battlemented parapet and good gargoyles. 6-bay aisled nave and 2 bay aisleless chancel, 3 storey west tower and 2 storey south porch. Crypt under chancel (necessitated by hill site) has a shallow tunnel vault. West tower has large 3 light windows and bell openings. 2-storey nave has 3-light depressed arched windows and panel tracery. The 3-light aisle windows have 2-centred arches. The single storey chancel has 3-light basket-arched windows. 5 light east window. Interior: nave arcade has typical perpendicular pier, of a section of 4 shafts and 4 diagonal hollows, and 2-centred arches. Chancel arch of 1877. Reproduction of fine wagon roof with bosses which was removed because of wood beetle. C15 sedilia and screens to east of ailes, somewhat restored. C15 north and south doors, the letter with wicket and very fine carving. Glass: east window of south aisle C15 fragments. South-east window of south aisle tracery figures by Holiday 1875. Fragment of brass of Robert Thirsk d1419. Tablet Hon. Aurelia Frederica Storre Fisher of York 1778. Pevsner, N., Yorkshire, North Riding, 1966, p365ff, K.C.H., Yorkshire, North Riding, 1925, p58ff.

Listing NGR: SE4273382325