St Martin le Grand, York explained

St Martin le Grand, York
Coordinates:53.9597°N -1.0846°W
Location:York
Country:England
Denomination:Church of England
Website:sthelenwithstmartinyork.org.uk
Dedication:St Martin
Heritage Designation:Grade II* listed
Parish:St Helen, Stonegate with St Martin, Coney Street
Deanery:York
Archdeaconry:York
Diocese:Diocese of York
Province:Province of York
Priestincharge:The Reverend Liz Hassall

St Martin le Grand, York is a Grade II* listed parish church in the Church of England in York.[1]

History

The church dates from the 11th century. The tower was built in the 15th century.

It was restored between 1853 and 1854[2] by JB and W Atkinson of York. The south side and eastern ends of the aisles were rebuilt, and the pierced battlement was added, to replace one removed 40 years earlier. The porch was added at the east end into Coney Street, and a south porch also added near the tower. New stained glass windows by William Wailes were added.

The clock on the east front was added in 1856 by Mr Cooke,[3] with a carved figure of the ‘Little Admiral’ dating from 1778.

It was badly damaged by bombing on 29 April 1942 and was rebuilt between 1961 and 1968 under the supervision of George Pace. The reredos screen was designed by Frank Roper.

Stained glass

The church is noted as having a large medieval window with scenes from the life of St Martin. Luckily this was removed for safe keeping in 1940, and was not destroyed in the bombing of April 1942.[4]

Parish status

The church is in a joint parish with St Helen's Church, Stonegate, York.

Memorials

Organ

The pipe organ was built by J. W. Walker & Sons Ltd and dates from 1968. It was the gift of the West German government and the Evangelical Church. A specification of the organ can be found on the National Pipe Organ Register.

Notes and References

  1. The Buildings of England. York and the East Riding. Nikolaus Pevsner and David Neave. Yale University Press. 1995.
  2. News: . Restoration of St Martin's Church, Coney-Street . Yorkshire Gazette. York . 23 December 1854. 6 May 2015 .
  3. News: . ConeyStreet Clock. York Herald. York . 17 October 1857. 6 May 2015 .
  4. News: . Bombed Church Controversy at York. Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer. York . 9 June 1942. 6 May 2015 .