St. Giles' Church, Pontefract

St Giles' Church is an Anglican building in Pontefract featuring Georgian architecture with an octagonal bell tower holding ten bells and round-arched windows spanning seven bays. The structure includes community spaces and facilities alongside its main worship area.

A place of worship has occupied this site since the 12th century, though the current building was constructed in the early 1700s. The distinctive tower was rebuilt in 1786 with the design we see today.

The interior features a striking east window by C.E. Kempe showing the Crucifixion, Resurrection, and Ascension in detailed stained glass. These works shape the visual experience as you enter and draw the eye upward.

The church is open daily from Monday through Sunday with accessible facilities for all visitors. A café serves refreshments on Wednesdays and Saturdays, making it a welcoming place to spend time.

The building won a RICS Pro-Yorkshire Award in 2014 for its successful conversion into a community center while preserving its historical character. This transformation demonstrates how a traditional church can adapt to new purposes while retaining what makes it special.

Location: Wakefield

Website: http://stgilespontefract.org.uk

GPS coordinates: 53.69160,-1.31169

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:24