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but internally portions of Norman and Early English work
xemain. It is of very early foundation, and is mentioned
thus in Doomsday Book— " Wil de Perci hath the church
of St. Mary." Drake, the historian, says that it is an
ancient rectory of Medieties, belonging to the Earls of
JsTorthumberland and the priory of Kirkham, till both were
consolidated into one rectory about 1400. Underneath
the west window in the north aisle of the nave is a squareheaded
window composed of five lights ; also a blocked-up
doorway, probably leading to the cell of an Anchorite.
In the chancel is a sedilia of three recesses and piscina,
^Iso a stone reredos. In 1870, by the munificence of Dean
Duncombe, this church was thoroughly renovated, repewed,
and newly decorated; the parishioners and others, as an
abiding .testimony of their gratitude, put in the beautiful
east window, representing the nativity of our Blessed Lord.
The grounds surrounding the church, which is daily open
from sunrise to sunset, are tastefully laid out, and furnished
with seats. In the tower are three large bells and one mass
bell. The dedication stone, or a part of it, was discovered
during the restoration, and is now carefully preserved in a
glass case placed against a pillar on the north side of the
chancel aisle. It is now, perhaps, the finest and most
complete parish church in the city. The foundations of the
sacristy still remain on the south side of the chancel, in
which is a doorway formerly leading thereto, but which is
now blocked up.
St. Mary, Bishophill Junior, is near the junction of
Trinity, St. Martin's, and Fetter Lanes. Norman^ with
portions of Decorated. Consists of nave with aisles, chancel
with north aisle, porch, and low tower. The latter is of very
great antiquity, the lower part probably Eoman masonry,
shewing in the upper portions herring-bone work, with undoubtedly
Saxon windows. It is well known to archaeologists
and students of architecture. There are two ancient
bells.
St. Mary, Bishophill Senior, not far from the church
above mentioned, is a very ancient structure. Early English
and Decorated. It has nave, north aisle, porch, and
low tower built partly of brick in 1639, containing a peal of
six bells.