Walking Tour of the Lost Medieval Churches of York

Saturday 30th November. 13:00-15:00.

Join me for a walking tour through the back lanes and city walls of the medieval city to explore the locations of some of York's ‘lost’ medieval churches and chapels. Along the way we will consider the reasons for their disappearance (many closed centuries ago, left in ruin or otherwise demolished) and the impact of their loss on the evolution of the medieval and early modern city. There is a rich archaeological and geographical history to uncover at each site, taking in to account their early beginnings and later prosperity, through to ‘ryne and decaie’ and 20th century (re)discovery.

The walk includes a visit to the National Centre of Early Music, formerly the medieval church dedicated to St Margaret on Walmgate, which houses a great medieval architectural treasure from a lost church elsewhere in the city!

The walk will last no more than 2 hours and cover no more than 4km in total distance.

The walk will start outside St William's College, 5 College St, York, YO1 7JF at 13:00. The tour will finish no later than 15:00 in Bishophill, outside the grounds of St Mary Bishophill Snr. on Cromwell Rd, Bishophill Senior, York, YO1 6DU.

Lunch is not provided, but we will finish the walk opposite The Golden Ball pub and you are very welcome to join me for a hot drink or a beer to warm up!

Accessibility

The course of this walk will take us through predominantly traffic free areas of the old city, but does include occasionally crossing busier roads and navigating other floor surfaces.

Please wear sensibile footwear and bring a snack and a drink of water with you. Be aware also that the cold weather at this time of year may mean hard surfaces and paths may be slippery.

About me

Rob Andrews: I have lived and studied (BA History of Art; PGDip Parish Church Studies) in York most of my life and I work for the Anglican Diocese of Leeds as the Assitant DAC Secretary in the Church Buildings & Pastoral Reorganisation team. I have previously volunteered my time with the Churches Conservation Trust in York, contributing to various interpretation projects including a collaboration with Google Arts & Culture, and as a Conference Director in Leeds for the Ecclesiological Society in 2021. I have organised my own walking tours of medieval parish churches in York for over 5 years and have led tours for variety of groups and organisations.

Host or Publisher Rob Andrews