St. Helen's Church, Stillingfleet
OS grid reference:- SE 593 410
St Helen's Church, a Grade I listed building in the North Yorkshire village of Stillingfleet lies about 6 miles (10 km) to the south of York and boasts a recorded history which stretches back more than 800 years. The church was probably constructed by Robert de Stuteville in around 1154. The lower part of the tower dates to the thirteenth century while the top part added in the fifteenth century.
The beautiful south west doorway is reputed to be one of the finest in England, with multiple layers of intricate stone carving. It comprises of five orders, one within the other, each arch supported by two nook-shafts having ornamental capitals. The keystone of the inner arch is decorated with a man's head wearing a crown surmounted by three crosses, it is possibly intended to represent King Henry II.
The original Norman wooden door is displayed inside the church, with its original ironwork, including almost complete 'C' hinges and an interlocked cross. Its age and history were tested in 1975. This study confirmed that the age of the door is at least dated back to initial building of the church, and there is some evidence to suggest that it may have been used elsewhere in the tenth century. Many believe the ironwork to be Scandinavian in design.
The fourteenth century Moreby Chapel contains the effigy of cross-legged Knight, said to be Sir Robert Moreby, circa 1337.
Images courtesy of Paul Johnson
Abbeys and Churches of Yorkshire