History Of The Church

St. Barthololmew’s Church was consecrated by His Grace the Lord Archbishop of York on Thursday, 30th September, 1869. The Archbishop had laid the foundation stone the previous 5th August.

The Church stands on a piece of ground raised above the road, the slope of which rendered it necessary to give considerable elevation to the east end. The Architect was Mr. Charles W. Armfield, and the structure, belonging to what is described as the ‘Early Decorated’ period, is remarkably beautiful and imposing. The effect of the apsidal chancel is very impressive. The building consists of naive, chancel, Lady Chapel, vestry under tower and southwestern porch. The interior roof is painted red. The chancel windows are of stain glass commemorating various residents. The stain glass in the Lady Chapel was installed to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Jubilee in 1877 and represents a Bible and a Crown, and the mottoes “England’s Greatness” and “God Save the Queen”.

In 1969 to commemorate the church’s centenary a transformation of the church took place. The parishoners co-operated and worked long hours to scrape the old varnish from the pews. The choir stalls were removed from the chancel and the church decorate, and new altar, altar candlesticks and cross and frontal were purchase and installed. There are several pieces of furniture made by Mr. Thompson of Kilburn with his trademark – a small mouse – carved into them.

In 1989 the church undertook another large transformation, with the body of the church being made smaller and a parish room with kitchen and toilet facilities created in the back.

Again in 1999 another refurbishment took place. New carpets were laid. The Lady Chapel was re-organised and new chairs purchased by donations and a new altar frontal was installed. A new lighting system was also installed. We now have a sound and loop induction system operating in the church.

With all the changes taking place St. Bartholomew’s now is a warm and friendly place to worship. The parish room is used for social events e.g. domino drives twice monthly, parish lunches, coffee mornings, meetings etc.

All these changes have been funded by the generosity and hard work of our small congregation and friends from far and wide.