Church of Holy Trinity

Holy Trinity Church stands on Goodramgate in York, a Grade I listed former parish church now looked after by the Churches Conservation Trust. Built largely of limestone, the oldest parts date from the 12th century, with later additions in brick and stone from the 13th and 14th centuries. The south aisle and arcade were added in the 14th century, and the north side was rebuilt in 1823. By 1882 the building had fallen into serious disrepair, and regular worship stopped for more than fifty years until restoration in 1937. Oak rafters were renewed, concrete underpinnings were added to the nave piers, and decayed stonework on the south aisle was replaced. The church is worth visiting for its long history and the people remembered within its walls. Notable York residents are commemorated by memorials to Frances Graham, James Robert Fryer, the Revd James Dallin, Joseph Smith and Joseph Buckle. In 2018 a blue plaque was placed outside to mark the Easter 1834 communion taken there by Anne Lister and Ann Walker, an early affirmation of their union. The plaque was updated in 2019 to state clearly that Lister was a lesbian and diarist, and the ceremony was recreated for the final episode of the BBC drama Gentleman Jack. Inside, visitors find a restored nave with renewed oak rafters and a repaired roof. The south porch, added in 1849, leads into the church, and the south east chapel retains its 13th-century character. The memorials to local figures line the walls, while the exterior plaque recalls Anne Lister’s historic act. The quiet Goodramgate setting keeps the church apart from the busier streets, offering a calm space to see both medieval fabric and later improvements.