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6. St Andrew's Church, Middleton, Aislaby and Middleton Villages - west of Pickering St Andrew's Church, Middleton Since moving to North Yorkshire in 1978 I've passed this church hundreds of times en route to York, not surprisingly perhaps? as it is so easily missed set back (thankfully!) from the busy A170 Pickering-Helmsley road. Finally, after 4 years of retirement, in 2007 I took the trouble to look at this church in detail and what a richly rewarding visit is was. Few people seem to visit this gem of a North Yorkshire church? so please go out of your way to do so, it is well worth your while. I hope the picture entice you there, but they can't beat the real thing!
The south-west view of the fine medieval church of St Andrew's in Middleton near Pickering,Ryedale. PLEASE purchase the excellent illustrated guidebook to the church or leave a donation to financially help with the upkeep of this wonderful historic church.
The south-east view of the splendid medieval church of St Andrew's in Middleton. There has been a church on this site for over a thousand years as evidenced by the Anglo-Saxon base to the tower and several crosses now displayed in the church.
The north-east view of the church and the particularly weathered stonework of the east facing Early English medieval windows of the north aisle and tower (12th-13th century).
Left: The wonderfully stone carved trefoil shaped 13th century south entrance door with its 'much repaired' 15th century wooden door. Right: The badly eroded 'blocked up' north facing trefoil shaped door also 13th century?).
The 'blocked up' Saxon west door dates from later than 1042, but earlier than 1066! and the oval 'vesica' window added in the 12th century. The Anglian cross built in above the west door dates from the 8th century.
Moving inside to the splendid Norman nave (~1100-1150) and 19th century chancel (built in 14th century style) complete with all the arches of the north and south aisles.
The Norman arches of the north nave and aisle, rebuilt in the 13th century.
Four of the famous Viking Anglo-Saxon crosses A, B, C and D in the church, all fully described in the guidebook.
Detail of the stonework on the south arcade pillars (~1200).
Finely carved capitals at the top of the pillars of the nave.
Detail of carving on one of the north pillars of the nave (~1100-1150).
The Early English Gothic stone coffin with a cross carved on the lid.
A piscina - a basin for washing the communion or mass vessels and was usually set in the wall near the altar.
Two of the stained glass windows. Middleton Village
St Andrew's Church, Middleton, fortunately set well back from the busy A170 Pickering-Helmsley road (lots of details above)
Middleton Hall, a fine Middleton 'town house' for a private residence!
A row of old limestone built houses on the main road through Middleton. Pear Tree Farm is on the right.
The friendly Middleton Arms near the church. Aislaby Village
A lovely set of old houses in Aislaby on the north side of the busy Pickering-Helmsley A170 road. The Blacksmiths Arms restaurant occupied most of what you see (sadly, now closed and the lovely old building left to ?). North Yorkshire Northern England * docspics photos images pictures © Phil Brown |
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