Lead

Church of St Mary

Lead
North Yorkshire
 
 
This church dates back to the 13th century. The simple benches could be of the late medieval period although repairs suggest later alterations.
An inscription on the door speaks of a restoration in 1784 and the three decker pulpit is definitely eighteenth century. Embedded in the floor immediately in front of the altar are ledger stones with heraldry and written inscriptions. These date to the 13th and 14th centuries. They incorporate the heraldic shield of the Tyas family, who held the manor and are buried within the walls of the church.
 
This church is well worth a visit. Find the ‘Crooked Billet’ Inn at Saxton, near to the battlefield at Towton and you have found the church. It stands alone in a field some way from the main road.
The battle of Towton was fought on Palm Sunday 1461 and was a pivotal event in the War of the Roses.