Nominal: 774 Hz Weight: 1460 lbs Diameter: 42.5" Bell 1 of 4
Founded by Thomas II Mears 1837
Dove Bell ID: 3920 Tower ID: 15978 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: unturned Cracked: No
Leeds: St John the Evangelist
Overview
Grid reference: SE 302 338
Stone-built, presumably a local stone, which is a beautiful pearly grey colour. The church is an important instance of 'Gothic Survival' and, as is to be expected, that style is Perpendicular though with some odd touches in the Decorated idiom.
Visiting and facilities
Building is closed for worship
Building
Ground Plan Description and Dimensions
Ground plan:
St. John's consists of twin naves, or equal aisles, with a west tower at the end of the northern aisle; attached to the tower on the north side is a handsome vestry room, stone-faced externally like the rest of the church. At the east and of the north nave is the shallow projecting organ chamber; there, is a porch at the south-west.
Description of Archaeology and History
Nothing seems to be known of the architect of the church, but the date is 1632 - 4.
Exterior Description
Stone-built, presumably a local stone, which is a beautiful pearly grey colour. The church is an important instance of 'Gothic Survival' and, as is to be expected, that style is Perpendicular though with some odd touches in the Decorated idiom. The tower is of three stages, quite tall, with angle buttresses which project prominently and have three set - offs, alternately sloping and gabled. The buttresses terminate in pinnacles, which rise considerably above the castellated (and unmistakably 17th century) parapet of the tower and are busily crookketted. In the middle stage, which is defined as usual by string courses which link visually with the two lower set-offs of the buttresses, are twelve-foiled circles on all four sides, with the clock face inserted in the north, south and west and square hood-moulds above them.
north, south and west and square hood-moulds above them. The belfry openings are immensely tall, with ogival hood mouldings; there are three main divisions, divided by mullions, a transom rather lower than half-way up, and curious tracery consisting of a circular and intersecting with an ogival shape resulting in an effect which is more reminiscent of Bohemian than English late Gothic tracery.
At the north-west and south-west corners are tall pinnacles like those of the tower. The north and south sides are not quite identical, since the north aisle or nave has the vestry at the west and a projection at the east; the south aisle has the porch, on quite a grand scale, towards the west. The porch is also castellated, with diagonal buttresses and gargoyles at the corners.
The character of the north and south windows is the same large rectangular Perpendicular openings, divided into three lights by mullions, the lights having cinquefoiled heads. The west window of the south nave is, however, quite different - consisting of five main lights and tracery in the head which is unmistakably Decorated in character. The east window of the south nave is closely similar, though the proportions are somewhat changed; the east window of the north nave (i.e. of the chancel) is also Decorated in character though the design of the tracery differs from that of the south nave. The use of this style, and the designs of those three windows, is in itself an aspect of the greatest interest.
Interior
Interior Description
On first glimpse, it is obvious that the church is one of the major assemblages of 17th century woodwork in the country and (in spite of the changes, relatively modest-fortunately, that were made in the 19th century) the coherence of the whole is such that, in its period, one can compare it only to country house chapels, such as Petworth, or college chapels, such as Trinity, Oxford, for quality and completeness.
A seven-bay arcade runs down the middle of the church. The first pier from the west is simply octagonal, but then those that follow become more complex with recessed quadrant panels in the diagonals. The capitals are inspired by classical motifs.
Fixtures and fittings
Altar
1634
Communion table. Hidden beneath a good modern frontal is the original table of 1634,with a rectangular top, the frieze carved with a composite scroll design and legs of elongated cup and cover form, with Ionic capitals and cushion bases.
Stall
The choir-stalls, with their handsome finials, appear to have been adapted from the stalls which are shown in Norman Shaw's drawing to have been in the south chapel.
Screen
The screen stretches right across from north to south. It is a work of great inventiveness and refinement.
Pulpit
The pulpit is another of the major furnishings. Although octagonal in form, it is ornamented in a highly complex fashion which almost obscures that shape: the sides are panelled in the richest early 17th century manner, and at the angles are protuberant pilasters. There is a spectacular canopy, with alternating pinnacles and strapwork, and the backpiece which supports the tester not only has fluted Tuscan columns but is also flanked by highly idiosyncratic and very memorable heraldic-looking birds.
Pew (object)
The complete series of pews is very remarkable. They dominate the nave, and no opportunity is lost for decorative enrichment. The friezes (and the friezes of the wall panelling) are carved with strapwork ans so also are the back panels of the pews. The ends have little voluted crestings, flanked by tiny arms.
Font (object)
A design of some distinction: octagonal bowl, the panels alternating between thorn with incised scrolly patterns and those with four marble squares, set on a circular panelled base with a much moulded intermediate section between bowl and base. Presumably by Norman Shaw.
Bells
Nominal: 977.5 Hz Weight: 799 lbs Diameter: 33.75" Bell 2 of 4
Founded by Thomas II Mears 1837
Dove Bell ID: 27951 Tower ID: 15978 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: unturned Cracked: No
Nominal: 870 Hz Weight: 1108 lbs Diameter: 38.25" Bell 3 of 4
Founded by Thomas II Mears 1837
Dove Bell ID: 27952 Tower ID: 15978 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: unturned Cracked: No
Diameter: 17" Bell 4 of 4
Founded by Thomas II Mears 1837
Dove Bell ID: 27953 Tower ID: 15978 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Churchyard
Grid reference: SE 302 338
Burial and War Grave Information
It is unknown whether the building is consecrated.
It is unknown whether the churchyard has been used for burial.
It is unknown whether the churchyard is used for burial.
It is unknown whether the churchyard has war graves.
National Heritage record for England designations
There are no records of National Heritage assets within the curtilage of this site.
Environment
Ancient, Veteran & Notable Trees
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
There are no records of Ancient, Veteran or Notable Trees within the curtilage of this site.
Renewables
| Renewable | Installed |
|---|---|
| Solar PV Panels | N/A |
| Solar Thermal Panels | N/A |
| Biomass | N/A |
| Wind Turbine | N/A |
| Air Source Heat Pump | N/A |
| Ground Source Heat Pump | N/A |
| Ev Charging | N/A |
Species summary
There are no records of species within the curtilage of this site.
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
'Seek advice' Species
More information on species and action to be taken upon discovery.
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
Further information
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