The Church Building  

The present building was begun some time before AD 1200 and reached its present form by about AD 1450. Even a very casual glance round tells you that the work was not all done at once. The building is in the traditional cross shape, with the tower at the base, the nave and chance! forming the upright, and the north and south transepts forming the cross-piece. There have probably been several previous buildings on the same site. A few fragments of Norman stonework from an earlier building still exist, particularly the font-bowl which stands under the tower. Before that there may have been one or more wooden church buildings dating back to shortly after the coming of Saint Paulinus in AD627, but of these no trace remains. As with many English church buildings, considerable restoration was carried out in the second half of the nineteenth century, and most of the stained glass dates from that period. The church is open for visitors and prayer during the day. On weekdays from noon until 3.00 pm in spring and autumn, in the summer during the morning as well. A member of the congregation is usually available to answer questions about our rich history.

 Some interesting things to look for inside the building

Under and around the tower: the grotesque carved heads at the head of and surrounding the columns; the magnificent arch from the tower to the nave; the ancient font bowl; the Sotheby churchyard cross.

In the nave: the many strange carvings at the top of the columns of the north aisle; the carving of angels on the circular panel (1970) in the south aisle; the pulpit (1881) with two carved scenes showing the parable of the Good Samaritan and St Peter healing the man at the Beautiful Gate.

In the south transept: the ancient stone shield bearing the arms of the Barwick family - three bears heads cabossed; the fine archangel window showing Raphael, Michael, Gabriel and Uriel, designed by the Swedish artist Carl Armquist (1848-1924).

In the north transept: the elaborate 18th century monument to the Sotheby family, sometime Lords of the Manor of Pocklington.

In the Lady chapel: the monument (restored in 1850) to Thomas Dolman (d. 1589) and his wife Elizabeth with their five sons and three daughters; above it the Dolman coat of arms and a helmet; over the altar, the centre panel of a Flemish triptych dating from about 1500, showing the crucifixion of Jesus.  

In the chancel: the Victorian canopied stalls on the south side only; the Denison memorial; the communion rails by Thompson of Kilburn.

Further historical details

There have been two pamphlets written to describe the history of the church and parish. The first, by Canon Graham Christie (Vicar of Pocklington 1960-81) is still in print and available from the church. The second, by the Very Revd Henry Stapleton, former Dean of Carlisle and sometime assistant curate in the parish of Pocklington, is currently at the pre-publication stage. It is hoped to publish it on the parish website in due course.