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Methley St Oswald's Church

St Oswald's Church, Church Side, Methley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS26 9BJ

  • Multiple dates available
  • In person
  • Pre-booking not required

A fine Early English church with Grade I listing, mainly for the Lady Chapel with its stunning collection of funerary sculpture comemorating the Waterton and Savile families, Ministers at Court. Glorious stained glass from C15 to early C20.

A Saxon church on this site is recorded in the Doomsday Book.. The nave dates from C12 with a tower and a South aisle added in C14. Bare stone walls give it a simple grandeur. The Waterton Chapel was endowed by and commemorates Sir Robert and Lady Waterton in alabaster efigies under an imposing arch. His son-in-law Lionel Lord Welles fell at the Battle of Towton and has a matching memorial. On Saturday 14th only the War of the Roses will be brought to life by the Frei Compagnie, with a knight in a full replica of the Welles armour and other displays of medieval life.
The Savile family are commemorated in a vast Jacobean memorial and in classical sculpture from C18. The effigy of John Savile, First Earl Mexborough, is an impressive work by Joseph Wilton R.A. Grotesque carved heads including devils support the roof of the chancel. All these sculptures inspired the young Henry Moore to pursue his career.

Timings & Tours

Saturday 13 September:
10.00- 17.00 with tours at 11.30 and 3.30
Sunday 14 September:
12.30-17.00 with a tour at 3.30
Saturday 20 September:
10.00-17.00 WAR OF THE ROSES DISPLAY with church tours at 11.30 and 3.30
Sunday 21 September:
12.30-17.00 with a tour at 3.30

Location & directions

St Oswald's Church, Church Side, Methley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS26 9BJ

Directions:
Park with care along the churchyard wall or use the Partou Ladybirds car park adjacent to the churchyard near the War Memorial
Contact on day:
Peter Bloodworth
Telephone number:
+447599419766

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:
Pre-booking not required

Accessibility details

Wheelchair/pushchair access is via a ramp through the North door (signposted). Access through the main South door involves steps as does access to the Chapel and the Chancel. There is a toilet but it is not easily accessible to wheelchair users.

Additional information

The setting of the church is in an extensive and historic churchyard. A Quiet Garden is adjacent to the church and is ideal for rest, reflection and picnics. The churchThe RSPB St Aidan's Nature Reserve can easily be accessed on foot (ask for directions)

Max no of people per tour:
10
Est. tour duration:
0 hour(s) 45 minute(s)

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