Church of St Helen, Treeton

The Church of St Helen stands in the village of Treeton in South Yorkshire. It is a Grade I listed building dating from at least the 12th century. The church was rebuilt around 1175 to 1200 after an earlier Norman church on the site was demolished. A church has existed here since the Domesday Book survey of 1086, one of only fifteen in what would become South Yorkshire. The lower half of the square tower, built of rubble, remains from the 12th century. The upper half, with crenellations and a small spire in each corner, was added in the 15th century. The church is worth visiting for its medieval features and historical connections. A 13th-century effigy of a knight, known locally as ‘Sir Gilbert’, is built into the western wall. The tower contains six bells, three installed as late as 1892, and a clock face on its eastern side. The building was remodelled in the late 13th and early 14th centuries, and restored in 1869 and 1892. The present lead roofing, southern porch, south chapel and part of the nave date from the 15th century. Inside, visitors find a simple parish church with Norman arches and medieval details. The knight’s effigy and worn shield remain visible in the western wall. The tower’s upper section, with its crenellations and spires, dominates the skyline. The church is still used by the village congregation. The surrounding village offers a quiet setting for a visit.