Saint Michael-le-Belfrey, York
Saint Michael-le-Belfrey in York holds a significant place in the city's rich historical tapestry. The current structure was erected between 1525 and 1537, replacing an older building that dated back to at least 1294. This construction occurred during the reign of Henry VIII, reflecting the Tudor Gothic architectural style prominent at that time.
The church is perhaps most famously known as the baptismal site of Guy Fawkes, born in 1570. Fawkes, who later played a central role in the infamous Gunpowder Plot of 1605, was baptized here, and today, visitors to the church can view an enlarged copy of his baptismal entry. This historic link adds a layer of national significance to the church.
Architecturally, the church underwent significant changes in 1867, especially on its west front and bellcote, which were supervised by the architect George Fowler Jones. These enhancements were part of broader modifications that occurred when adjacent houses were demolished, providing the church with a more prominent facade.
Inside, the church is renowned for its stunning stained glass collections, some of the oldest dating back to around 1330, originally from the church that preceded the current building. This glass, notably in the East window, complements the late medieval glass from its 16th-century reconstruction found in the aisles. The interior also features a remarkable 18th-century Baroque altarpiece, and extensive collections of 18th-century monuments, and memorials, enriching its spiritual and historical environment.
Additionally, Saint Michael-le-Belfrey is known as a center for charismatic revival, highlighting its ongoing importance in contemporary religious and community life. Its architectural beauty combined with its deep historical and cultural significance makes Saint Michael-le-Belfrey a cornerstone of York's heritage and a fascinating destination for both historical and religious scholars, as well as tourists.
Tip:
When the sun is going down this church does stand out!
The church is perhaps most famously known as the baptismal site of Guy Fawkes, born in 1570. Fawkes, who later played a central role in the infamous Gunpowder Plot of 1605, was baptized here, and today, visitors to the church can view an enlarged copy of his baptismal entry. This historic link adds a layer of national significance to the church.
Architecturally, the church underwent significant changes in 1867, especially on its west front and bellcote, which were supervised by the architect George Fowler Jones. These enhancements were part of broader modifications that occurred when adjacent houses were demolished, providing the church with a more prominent facade.
Inside, the church is renowned for its stunning stained glass collections, some of the oldest dating back to around 1330, originally from the church that preceded the current building. This glass, notably in the East window, complements the late medieval glass from its 16th-century reconstruction found in the aisles. The interior also features a remarkable 18th-century Baroque altarpiece, and extensive collections of 18th-century monuments, and memorials, enriching its spiritual and historical environment.
Additionally, Saint Michael-le-Belfrey is known as a center for charismatic revival, highlighting its ongoing importance in contemporary religious and community life. Its architectural beauty combined with its deep historical and cultural significance makes Saint Michael-le-Belfrey a cornerstone of York's heritage and a fascinating destination for both historical and religious scholars, as well as tourists.
Tip:
When the sun is going down this church does stand out!
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in York. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Saint Michael-le-Belfrey on Map
Sight Name: Saint Michael-le-Belfrey
Sight Location: York, England (See walking tours in York)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: York, England (See walking tours in York)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in York, England
Create Your Own Walk in York
Creating your own self-guided walk in York is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
York's Historical Pubs Tour
Yorkshire is a haven for real ale enthusiasts and York does live up to this reputation. Many of local pubs are as old as churches, having served their clients for centuries.
There's a plethora of historic pubs in the heart of York, offering an array of quality cask ales alongside a menu of hearty British food, served in a cozy, traditional atmosphere. Low ceilings, wonky floors and open... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
There's a plethora of historic pubs in the heart of York, offering an array of quality cask ales alongside a menu of hearty British food, served in a cozy, traditional atmosphere. Low ceilings, wonky floors and open... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
York Introduction Walking Tour
Established by the ancient Romans in 71 AD, the city of York breathes history. It first appeared as a walled settlement when the Ninth Legion of Rome conquered the local tribe known as the Brigantes. The town became the capital of the Roman province of Britannia Inferior, and later of the kingdoms of Deira, Northumbria and J贸rv铆k, emerging as a major river port and part of the extensive trading... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
York's Historical Architecture
Being home to some of the best preserved historic architecture in England, York screams history and is undoubtedly the must-go destination for anyone keen on the country鈥檚 past. While the more recent history has also characterized York, it is the abundance of the ancient sites retained in their variety 鈥� from Medieval times to the Georgian and Victorian eras, and more 鈥� that makes the city... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
York's Old Town
A vibrant city with Roman roots and a Viking past, York has played a central role throughout much of England鈥榮 history. Despite its small size, Old Town York boasts a wealth of colorful heritage that draws tourists in droves from all over the world.
The maze of historic streets 鈥� too narrow for vehicles, and therefore solely pedestrian 鈥� are packed with attractions fairly close to one... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
The maze of historic streets 鈥� too narrow for vehicles, and therefore solely pedestrian 鈥� are packed with attractions fairly close to one... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
York City Wall Tour
Known variously as the York City Walls, Bar Walls, or the Roman Walls (although very little of the extant stonework has remained since Roman times) are the historic monument encircling the Old Town of York.
The surviving portion of the town wall 鈥� 3.4km (2 miles) 鈥� is longer than anywhere else in England. Built mostly in the 13th century (of magnesian limestone, and set upon earthen... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
The surviving portion of the town wall 鈥� 3.4km (2 miles) 鈥� is longer than anywhere else in England. Built mostly in the 13th century (of magnesian limestone, and set upon earthen... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles