St Giles
Pontefract, Yorkshire
Through its long and fascinating history the church, which is at the heart of Pontefract town centre, has continuously developed to meet the changing needs of the community it serves.
There has been a church building in Pontefract Market Place since at least the 12th Century. The original building was enlarged over the centuries and the name changed to St. Giles. The current St Giles' Church is a Grade II* listed building, situated within the Pontefract Town Centre Conservation Area and has a tower with a rare, octagonal top, housing a peal of 10 bells and open crown. The church is mainly Georgian in aspect although foundations of the Norman chapel have been discovered, and the existing North Arcade is believed to be of 14th /15th Century origin.
The work involves the repair and replacement of the Westmoreland slates and associated works including new breather underfelt and slate battens to the south slope of the Nave roof. Many of the existing rafters appear to be earlier, reused, timbers and the mineral felt now requires replacing.