Methley St Oswald's Church

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 Robert and Cecily 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 19th 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.

Displays will connect the Watertons of Methley with Charles Waterton of Walton Hall, explorer and naturalist who built the first nature reserve on his estate. Also the Embleton family, notably Henry Cawood Embleton, who funded the 1926 restoration and extension of the church as well as sponsoring choral singing in Leeds, commissioning works by composers including Edward Elgar.

Timings

Saturday 12 September:

10.00- 17.00 with tours at 11.30 and 15.30

Sunday 13 September:

12.30-17.00 with a tour at 15.30

Saturday 19 September:

10.00-17.00 WAR OF THE ROSES DISPLAY with church tours at 11.30 and 3.30

Sunday 20 September:

12.30-17.00 with a tour at 15.30

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:

Stuart Davis

Telephone number:

+447841419398

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 RSPB St Aidan's Nature Reserve can easily be accessed on foot (ask for directions)

Max number of people:

10

Estimated duration:

0 hour(s) 45 minute(s)

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