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- Leeds, West Yorkshire (Church of St John the Evangelist)
St John’s is the oldest church in Leeds city centre. It was built in 1632-34, a turbulent time in England when very few new churches were constructed. The glory of the church lies in its magnificent Jacobean (Carolian) fittings, particularly the superb carved wooden screen.
Every part of the screen is richly decorated with flowers (including tulips), hearts, twisting vines, and grotesque heads of humans and animals.There is more lovely carving on the wall panels, pews and pulpit. Brightly painted angels play instruments in the roof and look down on wonderful carved pews below.
The church building was entirely funded by wealthy merchant and Royalist John Harrison who also paid for the grammar school and almshouses nearby. Harrison'’s benevolent spirit still pervades the church – he is buried near the altar, and a series of stained-glass windows depicts his good works. One of the windows shows an apocryphal tale in which Harrison presents King Charles, imprisoned in Leeds, with a tankard of gold coins disguised as a draught of ale.
Other monuments around the church commemorate the citizens of Leeds throughout the centuries, and emphasise the importance of the wool industry to the city’'s prosperity.
In the mid-19th century, the parish wanted to demolish the building and rebuild a more convenient modern church. The young architect Norman Shaw led an outcry against this, joined by the eminent architect Sir George Gilbert Scott. Happily, they prevailed and Shaw was responsible for the ensuing restoration, very much in the original style of the building.
To locate this church on a map, click on the 'View on map' link that appears below the address information at the top of the page.
In Mark Lane, off New Briggate in central Leeds
Nearest railway station: Leeds (1 mile). Bus route numbers 12/13/13A/770/781.
SE 302 338
01/05/12
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Harewood House
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Last year, we welcomed over two million visitors to our churches. If each person donated just £2, this would enable us to keep our churches open, safe and watertight for you and future generations to enjoy.
Text code 'OCCT05' to 70070 to donate now (free from all networks).
Or use the button below to donate online.
Last year, we welcomed over two million visitors to our churches. If each person donated just £2, this would enable us to keep our churches open, safe and watertight for you and future generations to enjoy.
Text code 'OCCT05' to 70070 to donate now (free from all networks).
Or use the button below to donate online.
Click on images to view larger
Last year, we welcomed over two million visitors to our churches. If each person donated just £2, this would enable us to keep our churches open, safe and watertight for you and future generations to enjoy.
Text code 'OCCT05' to 70070 to donate now (free from all networks).
Or use the button below to donate online.
Why not make your visit more enjoyable and informed by finding out more about this church and the CCT before you visit?
You can download a range of publications below including the relevant county guide, and any walkround guides we have for this church.
Yorkshire County Guide (PDF, 4.9mb)
This free of charge short guide contains details of all the churches CCT cares for in North, South and West Yorkshire. Printed copies of the county guides are also available at the church.
All Saints' Church, Harewood, West Yorkshire
A fashion parade of effigies. A church from our finest shortlist.
Harewood Park, Harewood, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS17 9LG
See church page
St Mary's Church, Stainburn, North Yorkshire
Fine views in a harsh landscape
Stainburn, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, LS21 2LW
See church page
St Michael's Church, Cowthorpe, North Yorkshire
A Medieval church with beautiful heraldic glass
Oak Road, Cowthorpe, Wetherby, North Yorkshire, LS22 5EZ
See church page
Last year, we welcomed over two million visitors to our churches. If each person donated just £2, this would enable us to keep our churches open, safe and watertight for you and future generations to enjoy.
Text code 'OCCT05' to 70070 to donate now (free from all networks).
Or use the button below to donate online.
Last year, we welcomed over two million visitors to our churches. If each person donated just £2, this would enable us to keep our churches open, safe and watertight for you and future generations to enjoy.
Text code 'OCCT05' to 70070 to donate now (free from all networks).
Or use the button below to donate online.
All our West Yorkshire churches are in CCT’s North region.
Welcome to Yorkshire tourism website
Family days out in West Yorkshire
Yorkshire Family History Society
Yorkshire Archaeological Society
Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust
A list of churches in West Yorkshire
West Yorkshire is in the Diocese of Wakefield, the Diocese of Ripon & Leeds, and the Diocese of Bradford
Last year, we welcomed over two million visitors to our churches. If each person donated just £2, this would enable us to keep our churches open, safe and watertight for you and future generations to enjoy.
Text code 'OCCT05' to 70070 to donate now (free from all networks).
Or use the button below to donate online.
If the access information for this church is listed as 'Keyholder nearby', this means that the key is kept by one of our invaluable volunteer 'keyholders', who usually live just a short walk from the church and can give visitors the key; sometimes this is a nearby hotel, pub, library, art gallery or other venue. You will find instructions explaining how to get the key when you arrive at the church.
Wheelchair users may need assistance accessing the church.
Due to the historic nature of our buildings, only a very small number of them have heating or running water meaning that they can be cold, and very rarely have toilet facilities. The lighting is usually operated via a 'push button' timer or a motion sensor. We do apologise for any inconvenience the lack of facilities may cause.
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Society Building, 8 All Saints Street
London N1 9RL
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0845 303 2760 (9.00am - 5.00pm Monday to Friday)
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central@thecct.org.uk
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I have lived in Leeds for many years and often walked through the churchyard of St John's Church but not stopped by to look inside.
It is stunning and well worth a few minutes of your time!
The carvings of little statues up in the rafters are wonderful - I couldn't stop looking up! - and the carved pews and alter area are also beautiful.
I fully intend to visit more of the region's historic churches now. It's great to see them being preserved for future generations in this way.
I have visited this church in Leeds. St Johns is beautiful and I am so glad it has bbeen preserved, so future generations can see the craftman shup within its walls.