Discover Holy Trinity Church York
Concealed behind the cobblestone shopping streets of York, Holy Trinity Church Goodramgate is one of the city’s best-kept secrets. This medieval church, with its uneven floors, honey-coloured stone, and exquisite stained glass, feels like stepping through a portal. One moment you're dodging tourists in the city centre, the next you're in a secluded, leafy churchyard with York Minster towering behind you.
Despite its modest exterior, the church has been granted a Grade I listing and has tons of quirky features, and even an important connection to LGBTQ+ heritage. It also has a vast history, having stood for centuries and remaining largely unchanged since the 18th century. This means that a visit here feels like stepping straight into a period drama (minus the corsets and powdered wigs).
The History of Holy Trinity Church York
Holy Trinity Church York has a history stretching back to at least the 12th century, with the earliest parts of the current building dating to around 1250. Most of what stands today was completed by the 15th century, though the church has seen various additions and restorations over the years.
By the 19th century, the church was in poor condition, and in 1882, regular worship services were suspended. It wasn’t until restoration efforts in the 20th century that the building was saved, allowing it to be appreciated today as a historical treasure. In 1971, Holy Trinity Church was declared redundant, and the Churches Conservation Trust took over its care in 1972.
Holy Trinity Church & LGBTQ+ History
Anne Lister and Gentleman Jack
In 1834, Anne Lister—also known as 'Gentleman Jack'—and her partner Ann Walker took communion here, in what they considered a private wedding ceremony. While their union wasn’t legally recognised, this moment is now seen as one of the earliest recorded same-sex commitments in the UK.
Their story was immortalised in Lister’s diaries as well as the BBC series Gentleman Jack. Today, a blue plaque outside the church commemorates this quietly revolutionary moment in LGBTQ+ history.
Holy Trinity Church Architecture
On the outside, Holy Trinity Church York is a delightful mishmash of different architectural styles, thanks to centuries of enthusiastic (and often frugal) repairs. Poet laureate John Betjeman once called it 'a delightful medley of different materials, colours and textures,' which is a poetic way of saying that the Holy Trinity has been patched up more times than a well-loved teddy bear.
The Curious Case of Box Pews
One of the most unique features of the church is its set of 17th-century box pews—essentially the medieval version of VIP seating. These tall, wooden enclosures were designed to keep churchgoers warm during chilly services and, more importantly, shielded from nosy neighbors.
Unlike modern church seating, where you might be squished next to a stranger, these pews provided a level of privacy that’s hard to come by in communal worship spaces. It’s easy to imagine 18th-century parishioners peeking over the edges to check out their neighbours’ Sunday best.
The Stained Glass East Window
The East Window of the Holy Trinity Church in York is a grand display of Perpendicular Gothic artistry, which was gifted to the church by Reverend John Walker and installed in 1470. The window depicts St. George and St. Christopher, alongside heraldic shields and a striking image of God as the Trinity holding the dead Christ. Meanwhile, Walker himself kneels at the base, looking suitably reverent.
The Saddleback Roof, a Hidden Piscina, and a Squint Hole
Look up, and you’ll notice something rather unusual—the rare double-sloping ‘saddleback’ roof—an architectural rarity that gives the church a distinctive silhouette. Meanwhile, tucked away inside is a medieval piscina—a stone basin used for washing the chalice after communion.
And then there’s the squint hole! This little opening in the wall allowed lepers to watch the service from a separate chapel without getting too close to the congregation. Holy Trinity really was ahead of its time when it came to social distancing.
The Tilting Tower, Churchyard and Our Lady’s Row
Outside, the churchyard is filled with weathered gravestones, some so old their inscriptions have faded into mystery. And did you notice the tilt to Holy Trinity’s tower? Bordering the churchyard is Our Lady’s Row—a set of timber-framed cottages dating all the way back to 1316. These jettied medieval houses, with their quaint overhanging upper stories, are among the oldest surviving homes in England.
Originally built for the poor of York, they were incredibly compact, with just a single room on each floor. Today, they add to the church’s fairy-tale aesthetic, making the whole site feel like a secret corner of history tucked away in the heart of York.
Visiting Holy Trinity Church York
Getting to Holy Trinity Church
Holy Trinity welcomes visitors Wednesday to Saturday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, though these hours depend on volunteer availability. Located just a stone’s throw from the famous Shambles and King’s Square, you can find the entrance on Goodramgate or slip down Hornpot Lane from Petergate. The nearest train station is York (0.5 miles away), and local buses, including the 14A, will get you close by.
Accessibility and Facilities
While Holy Trinity does its best to accommodate all visitors, bear in mind that it’s a historic building, so accessibility is somewhat limited:
- Wheelchair access is available via the Petergate entrance, with a ramp leading into the church.
- Some chapels have restricted access due to steps.
- There are no on-site toilets (but accessible toilets can be found nearby).
- Dog-friendly—so feel free to bring your furry companion along!
- Cyclist and walker-friendly, with space to secure your bike.
- No heating—so wrap up warm if you're visiting on a chilly day!
Important note: Although no longer an active parish church, Holy Trinity still holds Christian services twice a year—on Trinity Sunday and the second Sunday in Advent—maintaining its connection to its religious roots.
Why You Should Visit
Still wondering if the Holy Trinity is worth a stop? Here are a few reasons why this little church should make your York itinerary:
- It’s free to enter: perfect for budget-conscious travellers.
- It’s a place of calm: ideal for taking a quiet moment away from the city's chaos.
- It’s history in its rawest form: this is about as close as you’ll get to experiencing a post-Reformation church in its original state.
- It has a beautiful little garden: a great spot for a peaceful picnic if the weather plays nice.
Top tip: Avoid visiting on a cold, grey day—it can get pretty chilly inside! If you can, visit when the sun is shining, and bring a snack to enjoy in the garden.
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