Holy Trinity Church, Micklegate, York

Holy Trinity Church stands in York’s Micklegate, a street that once formed part of the city’s southern approach. Founded in 1089 as Micklegate Priory by Ralph Paynel, it began as a Benedictine monastery before becoming an Anglican parish church. The present building dates mainly from the 12th century, with later additions in the 13th, 14th and 15th centuries. Its tower was completed in 1453, marking the end of the medieval phase. After the Dissolution of the Monasteries the church was remodelled for new uses. Restoration in the 19th century added a wider south aisle and rebuilt the chancel and vestry. The church is recognised for its nationally significant stained glass. Charles Eamer Kempe created windows such as the East Window of 1907, one of his last works before his death. Earlier glass by John Joseph Barnett survives from 1850, while John Ward Knowles contributed the North Nave window of 1877. The St Nicholas Chapel holds windows by Kempe and, from 1953, by George Pace and Harry Stammers. The west window depicts saints once honoured in the priory church. Inside, visitors find a spacious nave with a wide south aisle added in 1850–51. The rebuilt chancel of 1886–87 houses an organ installed in 1906 by Norman and Beard. Memorials include the grave of Dr John Burton, who inspired a character in Laurence Sterne’s novel. Jacob’s Well, the Grade I listed church hall on Trinity Lane, provides further medieval interest. The churchyard and chancel once held generations of sisters from the Bar Convent.