St. Mary's History
ST MARY'S THORNTON IN CRAVEN located alongside the Roman road
from Ribchester to IIkey the original church was probable built
in the thirteenth century, during the reign of Henry III (1216-1272).
William de Bryley being the first recorded clergyman in 1280,
it was rebuilt some 200 years later during the reign of Henry
V1 (1421-1461) this is confirmed by a much eroded inscription
over the East window which states; "When this church and
the quire were built Thomas Lord Ros was patron Upon his soul
God have mercy and benignity Amen" An inscription which can
be seen clearly on the South face of the tower which was built
by James Carr in 1510 and that the parishioners contributed their
labour. Until 1990 the belfry housed four bells, two of which date
from when the tower was built and carvings on the bell-frame confirm
that major work was carried out in 1743 by the then rector "Harry"
Richardson, other bell-frame timber is inscribed 1617.
For many generations the bells could not be rung due to the unsafe
condition of the bell-frame which was damaged by a fire in the
tower which occurred on the 28 November 1881 and was inadequately
repaired. Within the churchyard is a spring which was enclosed
by the Rev "Henry" Richardson and bears the Latin inscription;
"This health giving and ancient fountain Henry Richardson
rector protected with a covering in the year of Christian era
1764 May it prove a blessing to public health" Many changes
to the church were made at the end of the 19th century, some due
to the fire during this period of restoration the impressive East
Window (by Charles Eamer Kempe) was installed and bears the following
dedication;" In thankfulness for the manifold blessings enjoyed
by the people and realm of England in the sixty years of the reign
of Victoria DGRI Dedicated to the glory of God 1898" and
"Also in loving remembrance of Stuart Morris MA fifty one
years rector of this Parish who entered into rest May 14 1885"
The west window depicts St Raphael, Michael and Gabriel A north
aisle window in remembrance of the Birley family, depicts: Call
of Disciples - Holy family - St John on Patmos A south aisle window
in remembrance of Mary Carr depicts: Faith Hope and Charity Some
of the pews date back from 17th century and there is an interesting
figure head carved in the most westerly pillar on the north side
of the nave.
The ancient parish of Thornton also included Earby until 1992.
Early parish records (held in the county records office at Northallerton)
for births, marriages and burials date back to 1566 Church wardens
accounts which still exist in the records office are for 1848
to 1884 and the vestry minutes date from 1814 to 1883. Pews were
removed from the area under the tower in 1998 to create more open
space and enable the bells to be rung from ground level.
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