St Mary's Chapel, Lead

St Mary's Chapel is a medieval stone building with a rectangular form and diagonal buttresses supporting its walls. A bell turret rises from the west gable, and the windows are divided into two sections with decorative trefoil designs typical of the period.

The chapel was founded on January 17, 1301, and was built near the location of the 1461 Battle of Towton. This battle became a pivotal moment during the Wars of the Roses fought in the Yorkshire region.

The floor slabs inside carry medieval inscriptions honoring the Tyas family members who commissioned this chapel for their manor house. Their names remain carved in stone, creating a connection between the building and its original patrons.

The building sits away from main roads and requires a walk through countryside to reach. Bringing a map or using navigation tools helps with finding it among the rural surroundings.

During the 1930s, local walkers rescued the chapel from decay and gave it the nickname Ramblers' Church. This volunteer effort became part of how the building is remembered today.

Location: Lead

Inception: 14 century

Website: http://visitchurches.org.uk/Ourchurches/Completelistofchurches/St-Marys-Church-Lead-North-Yorkshire

GPS coordinates: 53.82630,-1.29630

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:11