All Saints' Church, Low Catton. (All pictures copyright Chris Chapman)

FROM THE CHURCH TOWARDS THE ROAD

The main part of church, built between 1150 and 1250, is a fine old English church is approached by a small lane beside which are four iron lamp standards commemorating Victoria's Diamond Jubilee.

Set in a situation almost hidden behind tall trees, on a high bank to the River Derwent, the various influences present an unusual external appearance with the sturdy embattled tower at the west end of the southern aisle and the rall lane beside which are four cast iron lamp standards commemoration Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee. The pitch of the chancel is much higher than that of the nave.

THE ORIGINAL BUILDING

The original building was Norman (with cruciform), of which little now remains, the north transept, the nave and aisles, all reflect interesting detailing of the period, the waterleaf capital of the east window, the respond of the south arch, the arch itself with two chambers.

THE EXTERIOR

The exterior of the chancel is expressive but the outside conflicts with the earlier building. A round arch near the pulpit possibly belongs to an earlier period and some authorities believe that there is evidence of Saxon foundations.

THE NORTH ARCADE

This is mainly 13th century and each of the three piers differ in their design. The first is round, the second is quatrefoil and the thirds square with attached demi shafts. The arches are pointed and double chambered. The south door is of the same period, or later. The south archade, again a little later, the three bays giving way to the south western tower with its perpendicular top.

THE NORTH PRECEPT

This and the aisle again are late 13th century and early 14th century. The south aisle has perpendicular windows.

RESTORATION

THE EAST WINDOW

The church was restored by George E. Street in 1866 (Street was an enthusiastic restorer of old churches) The very fine east window, the central panel of which depicts the crucifixion, is a fine example of William Morris' work. Morris originated a revival in architectural techniques and attempted to re-introduce the dying craft of English stained glass, bringing it to a peak not enjoyed for over 300 years. The window is considered to be one of the finest examples of his work in the north.

THE TOWER

THE BELFRY

This is part of the old building. The belfry contains three splendid bells: (1) 1681, Samuel Smith, Elder of York; (2) 1719, (3) 1742 both by E. Seller of York. Only two of the bells are included in the picture.

AN OPENING

THE HOLE IN THE WALL

This is found in the south wall of the choir, behind the Rector's desk. It has given occasion for much speculation. It is probable that the reason for it is to give some light at the desk which otherwise would be in deep shadow but also could be considered to be a Hagioscope.

THE WINDOWS

THE CHILDREN'S WINDOW

Most of the windows in the church are memorials of parishioners and benefactors and in the transept on the north side of the church there is a small window which has been much admired. When the church was restored in 1908, a small splayed window was found to have been built up on the west wall of the transept. The Sunday School children undertook the raising of funds to reglaze it and it is now known as "the Children's Window." More recently the Sunday School placed beneath it a brass tablet to record the fact. The centre of the west window was damaged in 1941 by a land-mine and restoration was fully completed in 1958. Additional photos of the windows are in the "pictures" section.

THE REGISTERS

These go back to 1592 and prior to 1868 there are entries in them of residents of Catton, Stamford Bridge and Scoreby and also of Kexby which was once part of this parish. In the registers, High Catton is sometimes called "Upper Catton" and Low Catton is distinguished as "Nether Catton" for which one of the curators in charge used interchangeable to form "Xch Catton."

Return to About us