St Mary's Church is a small, 14th-century church located in the village of Lead, near Towton in North Yorkshire, England. The church is known as the "Ramblers' Church" because it is situated in the middle of a field, and is only accessible by a footpath.
The church is thought to have been built in the 14th century by the Tyas family, who were local landowners. The Tyas family are commemorated in a number of grave slabs that are set into the floor of the church. These grave slabs are beautifully carved with heraldic symbols and inscriptions.
The church was restored in the 18th century, and a number of new features were added, including a rustic pulpit, clerk's pew, reading desk, and painted texts on the walls. The church also contains a number of other interesting features, including a medieval font and a 17th-century sundial.
St Mary's Church is now in the care of the Churches Conservation Trust, and is open to the public for visits. The church is a popular destination for walkers and ramblers, who enjoy the peaceful setting and the historical interest of the building.
In addition to its historical significance, St Mary's Church is also notable for its proximity to the site of the Battle of Towton. The Battle of Towton was fought on 29 March 1461, and is considered to be the bloodiest battle ever fought on English soil. It is estimated that up to 28,000 people died in the battle, and the bodies of the dead were said to have been piled so high that they blocked the flow of the Cock Beck stream.
The Battle of Towton was a decisive victory for the Yorkist forces, and it brought an end to the Wars of the Roses. The church of St Mary's is thought to have been used as a temporary morgue for the dead following the battle.
Today, St Mary's Church is a peaceful and tranquil place, far removed from the bloody conflict that took place nearby over 600 years ago. The church is a reminder of the rich history of the Towton area, and it is a popular destination for visitors from all over the world.
Here are some additional facts about St Mary's Church:
- The church is a Grade II* listed building, which means that it is of special architectural or historical interest.
- The church is managed by the Churches Conservation Trust, which is a charity that cares for over 3,500 historic churches in England.
- The church is open to the public for visits from 10am to 4pm, seven days a week.
- The church is located in the middle of a field, on a footpath that leads from the village of Lead to the site of the Battle of Towton.
- The church is a popular destination for walkers and ramblers, who enjoy the peaceful setting and the historical interest of the building.
- The church is also a popular destination for historians and people interested in the Wars of the Roses.
Drone Video of St Mary's Church
Here is my Drone Adventure at St Mary's church
Map of St Mary's Church
Here is a map of how to find the church. Don't forget to visit the Crooked Billet pub across the road.
Photos of St Mary's church
Here are a few photos that I took of the church
More places to visit like this
Here is my catalogue of places to visit around the UK