St Edith, Bishop Wilton

10 September 2006

This visit was unusual in that it was vaguely planned – planned to coincide with the Heritage Open Days in 2006. I didn’t know which of the many churches participating in the scheme would be best to visit, so just picked the one that looked most interesting, and whose neighbourhood looked a good one for a short countryside walk at the same time.

From our short walk up the side of the valley, it was clear that the spire of this church is a landmark for miles around, and away from the roads, looking down from the hills, you could almost imagine it as our medieval ancestors would have seen it.

St Edith’s is one of the churches on the Sykes Churches Trail. It was restored in 1858-9, for Sir Tatton Sykes – responsible for financing many church restorations in the East Riding. The Pevsner guide says the architect was J L Pearson, who achieved "as conscientious a job of preservation as few men at that time would have done."

The Norman doorway is surrounded by fabulous carving. I’ve adjusted the colour on the photo on the right, as this brought out the detail more effectively. The architect kept the old and new carving clearly separated.

Inside the church there is decoration above and below. The floor is a black and white mosaic by Salviati, dating from 1902, designed by Temple Moore and featuring a birds motif. The painted ceiling is also richly decorated.

This is certainly some font cover, looking rather like the spire on the church itself, a kind of indoor spire. The font cover, designed by Temple Moore, dates from 1902.

Also pictured is a detail from one of the stained glass windows. I can’t tell you anything factual about it, or even which wall it’s in, as there’s so much to take in I’m completely dazzled.

Outside, next to the path leading from the church, and dating from the late 19th century, a handsome wrought iron lamp standard. Plaques are attached to its lower section, in memory of members of the Holgate family who are buried in the churchyard, both commemorated under the inscription – "Lead Kindly Light".