St Michael le Belfrey, York

St Michael le Belfrey is an Anglican church in the centre of York, standing at the junction of High Petergate and Minster Yard, directly opposite York Minster. The present building dates from between 1525 and 1537, replacing an earlier church recorded since at least 1294. It is famous as the place where Guy Fawkes was baptised in 1570, before his involvement in the Gunpowder Plot. The church also hosted the wedding of explorer Christopher Levett in 1608. Nearby, the Emperor Constantine was proclaimed Roman Emperor in 306 AD. Some 14th-century stained glass from the old church survives in the east window. The church’s west front and bellcote were added in 1867 under architect George Fowler Jones. Inside, a Baroque reredos by John Etty from 1702 stands beside 18th-century memorials and 17th-century carved benches. A fine suite of Victorian seating with poppy heads and rare aisle doors was also designed by Fowler Jones. Two staircases at the west end lead to a gallery with Gothick balustrades, plain serpentine handrails and shaped curtail steps—remarkable survivals with no other known examples. The organ, dating from 1687, was rebuilt in 1885 by William Denman & Son as one of their largest instruments. The church has recently undergone major repairs and reordering, introducing a gallery, a servery and a full-immersion baptism pool. Modern reversible structures sit within the 500-year-old building, alongside historic features. The project has drawn both criticism and support from heritage groups, including the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings and the Victorian Society. The historic organ was removed in 2019 and restored for relocation to St Lawrence’s Church. Work began in early 2024 after extensive consultation with organisations including York Minster and the Diocese of York.