Weight: 56 lbs Diameter: 13" Bell 1 of 2
Founded by Unidentified (blank)
Dove Bell ID: 63597 Tower ID: 25379 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: quarter Cracked: No
Birdforth: St Mary
Overview
Grid reference: SE 486 757
The principal building material is local rubble-stone and probably the different patches of larger and smaller stonework reflect different periods of building work.
Visiting and facilities
Building is closed for worship
Building
Ground Plan Description and Dimensions
Ground plan:
Nave, chancel; west bell-cote.
Description of Archaeology and History
In spite of its tiny present-day size Birdforth was once the centre of a wapentake (the Birdforth assizes are still held, apparently, at Thirsk) and there is some evidence, i.e. the blocked south window which might well be pre-Conquest, of a stone-built church here from very early times. The south doorway and chancel arch, though both much restored, are probably 12th century in origin. The plaque, with carved shield and initials and the date 1585, which is on the inside north wall of the chancel may well indicate the date of the present character of the windows. Clearly there were also repairs in the 18th century, the 19th century, and c.1900.
Exterior Description
The principal building material is local rubble-stone and probably the different patches of larger and smaller stonework reflect different periods of building work. The west wall is quite plain, of fairly large-scale masonry. The bell-cote is a plain brick cube, with louvres and a pyramidal slate-covered top, and is probably of about 1900. Some of the stonework is a good strong yellow ochre colour; ether parts are a lighter tone; and some (e.g. the east respond of the south doorway) pinkish stone has been used in later repairs. The roof coverings are of pantiles.
The south wall of the nave is, architecturally, the most elaborate - though it is, in fact, simplicity itself consisting as it does of a doorway and then two two-light windows. The doorway is no doubt 12th century in origin; the western half of the plain unmoulded arch and the west respond appear to be old, whereas the eastern half and the eastern respond have plainly been renewed completely. The cill and flanking stones of the windows are of a different stone, grey in colour - the cill stones being each a large single stone - and the two-light heads of each window which are of a typical late Perpendicular are 16th/17th century 'Gothic Survival' type have been completely renewed. The only window to which this has not happened is the east window of the chancel, identical in character, and here the flattened heads have kept the tiny flanking mouchettes which impart a surprising degree of character when compared with the south nave windows. Between the two nave south windows can be soon the small round-headed Saxon or early Norman window: the nave must have been very dark lit only by one or more windows of this size and no doubt this is why it was blocked up in the 16th century and the more spacious windows inserted on either side of it. The chancel has no north or south windows, though on the south side it can be seen that disturbance of the masonry has taken place and that there was almost certainly a 'low-side' window and then quite a large window further east, of which the cill—stone still survives. The north wall of the nave has only one window, a modest rectangular light close to the join with the chancel.
Interior
Interior Description
Internally, as one would expect, the church is a model of simplicity. The pews, of course, are 19th century and the floors beneath them are wooden; in the centre aisle, though, are red tiles as pavements which continue into the chancel and sanctuary. The roof of the nave has a barn-like character, with substantial lightly-moulded tie-beams (one dated 1702) and some earlier purlins and rafters. The two western bays out of the four look as though they may have been replaced when the bell-cote was added or repaired. The chancel arch is of interest, not only for its 12th century arch (or at least the form of the arch) but because of the way the north respond is cut away in a great curve on the west side and on the chancel side there is a chamfered ledge cut into the south respond, probably to hold a cresset light.
Fixtures and fittings
Altar
Late 16th - Early 17th Century
Its baluster legs suggest a late 16th or early 17th century date and indeed it could well be of the putative remodelling and refurnishing of the church in 1585 which seems to be indicated by the stone tablet.
Rail
19th Century
A moulded wooden rail on wrought iron supports which are shaped like a scrolly capital 'A'.
Pulpit
Reading desk, probably part of a former two or three decker pulpit and now (in the north-east corner of the nave) serving as the pulpit. It seems to be made up of 16th and 17th century bits and pieces and the front has a horizontal panel with vaguely Renaissance ornament.
Lectern
19th Century
Plain 19th century 'book-rest' type.
Font (object)
Tub-shaped rough-finished stone bowl of massive size; no mouldings whatsoever; modern base, doubtless, of the time of its re-installation in the church.
Font (component)
c. 18th Century
Cover probably 18th century, ogee-shaped ribs curving up to a small and out-of-scale finial.
Bells
Weight: 56 lbs Diameter: 14.5" Bell 2 of 2
Founded by Unidentified (blank)
Dove Bell ID: 63598 Tower ID: 25379 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: quarter Cracked: No
Churchyard
Grid reference: SE 486 757
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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