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St Denys's Church, York

Coordinates: 53°57′26.27″N 1°4′34.61″W / 53.9572972°N 1.0762806°W / 53.9572972; -1.0762806
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St Denys Church, York
St Denys Church, York
Map
53°57′26.27″N 1°4′34.61″W / 53.9572972°N 1.0762806°W / 53.9572972; -1.0762806
OS grid referenceSE 60713 51574
LocationYork
CountryEngland
DenominationChurch of England
History
DedicationSt Denys
Architecture
Heritage designationGrade I listed[1]
Administration
ProvinceProvince of York
DioceseDiocese of York
ArchdeaconryYork
DeaneryYork
ParishYork St Denys
Clergy
Priest in chargeThe Reverend Liz Hassall

St Denys' Church, York is a Grade I listed[1] parish church in the Church of England on Walmgate in York.[2]

History

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It was built on the site of a Saxon church and possibly of a Roman temple (the earliest records date from c. 1154). Inside some of the earliest stained glass in York can be found: the sculpted Norman doorway and 15th century heraldic roof are also noteworthy features. The figure of St Denys can be seen in the 15th-century east window – fewer than 40 English churches are dedicated to this French saint.

The church was originally a lot larger than it is now, as part of the church subsided after the king's fishpool was drained; another part gave way shortly after as a sewer was being built nearby and the current main entrance is situated where a window used to be. Originally it also had a spire but, unfortunately, between the 17th and 18th century it was hit by a cannon shot and struck by lightning. The spire was only removed 20 years later after being partially blown down.

The church was rebuilt in 1798 and then in 1846 - 1847 there were further alterations including the rebuilding of the west end and tower, and north and south arcades under the supervision of the architect Thomas Pickersgill.

Burials

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Memorials

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  • Robert Welborn Hotham c. 1806 by Fisher
  • James Melrose (d. 1837) by Plows
  • Rev John Walker, Rector, (d. 1813)
  • Dorothy Wilson (d. 1717)

Organ

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The previous pipe organ was built by Thos. S. Hughes of Bradford and dates from 1925. A specification of the organ can be found on the National Pipe Organ Register.[3]

In 2017/18 the organ was replaced by the 1879 Father Willis organ formerly at St Ebbe's Church, Oxford.[4]

References

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  1. ^ a b Historic England. "Church of St Denys (Grade I) (1256313)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 6 May 2015.
  2. ^ The Buildings of England. York and the East Riding. Nikolaus Pevsner and David Neave. Yale University Press. 1995. ISBN 0300095937
  3. ^ "NPOR [N03915]". National Pipe Organ Register. British Institute of Organ Studies. Retrieved 6 May 2015.
  4. ^ "Update on the St Denys Organ Project" (PDF). 1 January 2018.
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