Church of St Mary

The Church of St Mary stands as a magnificent example of English Gothic architecture, featuring an 80-foot spire that dominates the Thirsk skyline with its pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and large windows designed to flood the interior with natural light.

Construction of the church began around 1401 during the early 15th century, with significant development continuing through 1430-1480, representing centuries of medieval craftsmanship and religious devotion in North Yorkshire.

The church served as the wedding venue for James Herriot author Alf Wight and Joan Anderson in 1941, creating a lasting literary connection that draws visitors interested in the famous veterinarian's stories set in Yorkshire.

St Mary's Church remains open daily from Easter through October between 10am and 4pm, accessible by rail from York on the East Coast Main Line and regular bus services from Northallerton and Ripon.

The church tower houses seven bells with the oldest dating to 1410, possibly transported from Fountains Abbey, making it one of the most historically significant bell collections in the region.

Location: Thirsk

Inception: 1430

Architectural style: English Gothic architecture

Website: https://thirskparishes.org

GPS coordinates: 54.23490,-1.34584

Latest update: July 23, 2025 15:18