Weight: 672 lbs Diameter: 34.5" Bell 1 of 3
Founded by Thomas II Mears 1825
Dove Bell ID: 6764 Tower ID: 15493 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Thornton Watlass: St Mary the Virgin
Diocese of Leeds
Church, 646583
http://www.bedale.churchOverview
Grid reference: SE 232 852
The most striking feature of St Mary's church is the medieval fortified tower, built in the Perpendicular style, which offers a significant vantage point over the surrounding landscape. The rest of the church is 19th century, likely with designs by George Fowler Jones.
Visiting and facilities
Building is open for worship
Hearing loop Assistance dogs welcome
Building
Ground Plan Description and Dimensions
Ground plan:
Nave with north aisle and transepts, chancel, south porch and west tower.
Dimensions:
Approximately: nave 15.78m (51'9ft) x 6.4m (21ft), chancel 10.7m (35ft) x 5.5m (18ft), north aisle 2.9m wide, north transept 4.6m (15ft) x 2.9m (9'6ft), south transept 4.6m (15ft) x 2.7m (9ft)
Footprint of Church buildings: 352 m²
Description of Archaeology and History
The discovery of Anglian crosses (now built into the south porch) indicate that there has been a long-standing Christian presence in Thornton Watlass. The earliest mention of a rector of the church is from the 12th century, with the advowson of the church first mentioned in 1263.
Thornton Watlass was originally two separate villages, Thornton and Watlass, and the church was mentioned in connection with Watlass, suggesting Watlass lay to the south of Thornton.
The earliest surviving building evidence is the Perpendicular, 15th century tower which dominates the local landscape. The tower is an interesting construction, with a fireplace and garderobe on the first floor and a room on the second floor which appears to have been for habitation. It is thought that the tower served as a watch tower and provided protection for the surrounding area, similar to the nearby (and similarly-aged) church towers at Bedale and Spennithorne.
The rest of the building is from the 1860s, likely rebuilt with the involvement of George Fowler Jones. It cost £1,800 and was consecrated by the Bishop of Ripon on 18 December 1867.
The church was listed Grade II in 1966.
Exterior Description
Attention is primarily drawn to the medieval west tower, standing tall with four stages and a crenelated parapet. It stands in contrast to the Victorian construction beneath. The tower is adorned with clock faces on the east and west sides, sitting below interesting belfry openings, with three single trefoiled lights on each side. The south east corner of the tower has chamfered lights where the stair turret is.
The south porch has two Anglian cross heads, hinting at early origins of Christian worship in the area. The rest of the church is in 19th century Geometrical style with pointed arch windows, with a mixture of two- and three-light windows with hoodmoulds between the nave and transepts. The east end has three single lights, the central one taller than the other two, with trefoil tracery and circles in the heads of arches.
A more detailed, technical description of the architecture can be found in the Historic England list entry.
Interior
Interior Description
Entry is through the south porch into the west end of the nave. The nave has four pointed arches through to the north aisle, matching the arch to the chancel. The tower arch is 15th century, leading through to a quadripartite rib vault. The church houses a significant collection of hatchments (diamond-shaped tablets depicting the coat of arms of someone deceased, displayed to honour them), mostly on the north aisle ceiling, with others dotted around the church.
Bells
Diameter: 27.5" Bell 2 of 3
Founded by Samuel I Smith 1694
Dove Bell ID: 42551 Tower ID: 15493 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Diameter: 30.88" Bell 3 of 3
Founded by Samuel II Smith 1712
Dove Bell ID: 42552 Tower ID: 15493 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Churchyard
Grid reference: SE 232 852
Burial and War Grave Information
The church/building is consecrated.
The churchyard has been used for burial.
The churchyard is used for burial.
The churchyard has war graves.
National Heritage record for England designations
There are no records of National Heritage assets within the curtilage of this site.
Environment
Ancient, Veteran & Notable Trees
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
There are no records of Ancient, Veteran or Notable Trees within the curtilage of this site.
Renewables
| Renewable | Installed |
|---|---|
| Solar PV Panels | No |
| Solar Thermal Panels | No |
| Biomass | No |
| Wind Turbine | No |
| Air Source Heat Pump | No |
| Ground Source Heat Pump | No |
| Ev Charging | No |
Species summary
There are no records of species within the curtilage of this site.
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
'Seek advice' Species
More information on species and action to be taken upon discovery.
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
Further information
Sources
Showing 6 entries of 6 View All
Quinquennial Inspections
Submit a change
If you notice something incorrect or missing, please explain it in the form below and submit it to our team for review.