YorkshireBARTONLESTREETStMichaelAllAngels(michaelgarlickCC-BY-SA2.0)1 MichaelGarlick

St Michael

A treat for the senses, boasting some of the finest Romanesque carvings to be found in a Norman church.

Barton le Street, Yorkshire

Opening times

Open daily dawn to dusk.

Address

Main Street
Barton le Street
Yorkshire
YO17 6PN

Architectural historian Nicholas Pevsner called it 'a sumptuous small Norman church, rebuilt without any restraint' and we think he has got it just about right.

At first glance, St Michael's appears to be a Victorian church, with its round windows and Gothic style bell cote. But the church is the result of a restoration beginning in 1871. The first church at Barton le Street was built about 1160, and the current building retains much of the original stonework.

St Michael's is famed for the wonderful carvings which decorate the church inside and out. The porch is magnificent, with figures representing the seasons, the Adoration of the Magi, birds, dragons, signs of the Zodiac, and human and mythological figures. A sculptured frieze of can be seen inside chancel, high on the wall. These carvings were originally outside but were brought inside for preservation.

It is thought that masons responsible for the original Norman carvings may have worked at the great cathedrals of Durham and York. 

Come and take a look for yourself.

  • Spectacular stained glass

  • Social heritage stories

  • Magnificent memorials

  • Glorious furnishings

  • Fascinating churchyard

  • Enchanting atmosphere

  • Captivating architecture

  • Walkers & cyclists welcome

  • Space to secure your bike

  • Parking within 250m

  • On street parking at church

  • Level access to the main areas

  • Dog friendly

  • Accessible toilets nearby

  • Church of England

Contact information

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