Church of St Michael

St Michael’s Church stands on Spurriergate in York, a Grade I listed former parish church built in the 12th century. Traces of 14th- and 15th-century work remain in its walls and arches. In 1821 the Atkinsons shortened the nave and added a new east wall, completed the following year. The tower was lowered between 1966 and 1967, and the building closed in 1984. After conversion it reopened in 1989 as a restaurant and café, while a small upstairs chapel keeps its original purpose. The church’s painted west-end clock face was moved to its present position after the tower was lowered. Inside, the mechanism carries the name of G. J. F. Newey and the date 1896. An 1890 Denman and Son organ once filled the building with nine swell stops, seven great stops and two pedal stops. In 1972 it was taken to All Saints’ Church, Castleford. A smaller 1969 continuo organ by Grant Degens and Bradbeer later went to Lund Parish Church and then to Southwell Minster. Visitors today find the nave turned into dining space, its medieval fabric still visible in arches and windows. The upstairs chapel remains furnished for occasional services. The striking painted clock on the south wall draws the eye, while the interior keeps the memory of the two organs through their specifications on the National Pipe Organ Register. Outside, Spurriergate places the church among York’s older streets, linking past and present.