St Mary Magdalene

The church was founded by Ilbert de Laci of Pontefract in the early 12th century and built in a cruciform pattern.

There are several items of interest in the church including ancient grave stones, one of which has always been called ‘The Founder’s Tomb’. The altar in the Lady’s Chapel was designed by Pugin and was brought to Campsall from a disused chapel in Ackworth. It is very beautiful with angels bearing shields upon which are displayed the instruments of Christ's Passion.

There is also a very fine 14th century rood screen, thought to have come from Wallingwells Abbey. There is an extremely fine plaque in the Chancel, made by the famous sculptor Flaxman RA. It was requisitioned by a local land owner and depicts the distribution of relief to the poor. We were recently told that a blind man was taken from the streets of London to be a model for the plaque, and a man on the plaque does appear to be blind.