Lead Chapel, Towton

St Mary's Lead Church stands alone in the middle of a field and not far from where the Battle of Towton was fought on March 29 1461. The Church was built in the 12th century and used by the residents of the village of Lead (now disappeared) especially the Tyas and Scargill families (probably used as a private chapel). Tombs of these families are located by the altar with the family coats of arms inscribed thereon. Lead Church is a small Church, no more than 18ft long and the building is a simple rectangle with a bell-cote at the western end, which is thought to date from the 14th century. The Church is furnished very simply. The pews arranged in it are thought to be medieval and are just simple benches. The decline of the area and the reduction in the number of people attending services at the Church led to the declaration of redundancy and in June 1980 St Mary's was placed in the care of The Churches Conservation Trust. Although this charming redundant Church is no longer in use for worship, it is open to the public and is a splendid example of Norman architecture, well worth a visit. To reach Lead Church take the A64 from York to Tadcaster and then fork left on the B1217 to Towton. After passing through the battlefield, you will see the Church on the right, about a mile beyond the battle-marker, and opposite the Crooked Billet pub.

Towton North Yorkshire