St Michael's Church, Spurriergate, York Explained

St Michael’s Church, Spurriergate, York
Coordinates:53.9578°N -1.0826°W
Location:York
Country:England
Previous Denomination:Church of England
Dedication:St Michael
Heritage Designation:Grade I listed
Designated Date:14 June 1954
Style:Decorated Gothic
Groundbreaking:Late 12th century
Completed Date:Mid 15th century
Closed Date:1984
Tower Quantity:1

St Michael's Church is a Grade I listed former parish church in the Church of England, on Spurriergate in York.[1]

History

The church dates from the 12th century with elements from the 14th and 15th centuries.

It was reduced in size in 1821 by JB and W Atkinson. The foundation stone of the new wall of the east end was laid by the Rector on 15 January 1821.[2] Work was completed on 16 June 1822.[3]

The tower was lowered between 1966 and 1967. The church was declared redundant and closed in 1984. The building re-opened as a restaurant and cafe in 1989. The conversion retained a small chapel upstairs which is used occasionally for worship.

Clock

The exterior west end of the south wall contains a painted clock face. The clock mechanism inside is inscribed with "Reconstructed by G. J. F. Newey in 1896". The clock was originally inset to the tower, but after its lowering in 1966, it was moved to its current location.

Organ

The church contained an organ by Denman and Son which was installed in 1890.[4] It had 9 stops on the Swell, 7 on the Great, 2 on the Pedal and cost just over £300 (equivalent to £ in). It was transferred in 1972 to All Saints’ Church, Castleford. A specification of the organ can be found on the National Pipe Organ Register. The church also contained a 3 stop continuo organ by Grant Degens and Bradbeer, dating from 1969, which was moved to Lund Parish Church in 1973 and subsequently Southwell Minster. 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: . The Foundation Stone of the New Wall . Yorkshire Gazette . York . 20 January 1821 . 10 May 2015 .
  3. News: . Spurriergate Church . Yorkshire Gazette . York . 22 June 1821 . 10 May 2015 .
  4. News: . New organ for St Michael Spurriergate Church . York Herald . York . 23 August 1890 . 10 May 2015 .