All Saints, Pavement

All Saints’ Church stands on Pavement in the heart of York. A Grade I listed parish church, it belongs to the Church of England and uses services from the Book of Common Prayer. The building began in the 14th century, though its chancel was rebuilt in 1780 and its east end again in the early 19th century. George Edmund Street restored the stonework in 1887 and added stained glass by Charles Eamer Kempe. The church later enlarged in 1912 and became the guild and civic church for York. It also serves as the regimental church for the Royal Dragoon Guards. The church holds many memorials to notable figures from York’s past. Sergeant Major John Polety and Charles Polety, father and son who died in 1829 and 1838, rest here. Tate Wilkinson and his wife Jane Wilkinson, both actors of the late 18th century, are also commemorated. Earlier names include Sir Robert Crathorn from the 15th century and Robert Askwith from the 16th century, whose memorial was moved from St Crux’s Church. The list continues with figures such as Ursula Wyvill, Robert Bishopricke Surgeon, and Henry Richards. Inside, the church contains an 18th-century organ rebuilt over time. The tower once carried a lantern meant to guide travellers, though it does not meet the strict definition of a lantern tower. The interior shows the results of Street’s careful restoration, with cleaned stonework and restored pinnacles. The east window’s stained glass by Kempe adds colour and detail to the space. The church remains an active place of worship and a civic landmark in York.