York’s oldest church, it is situated within what was the colonia or civilian quarter of the Roman garrison of Eboracum. Pieces of Roman tilework can be seen in the tower, which is Anglo-Saxon and probably dates from the late 11th century. The tower is notable for its relative size: 73ft high with walls three feet thick.
Inside the church is an intricately carved Anglo-Saxon cross shaft, possibly depicting the Christian tree of life, Christ the true vine or even Yggdrasil the world-tree.
Section of an Anglian cross shaft
Near this church was another Anglo-Saxon church, St Mary, Bishophill Senior, set on the base of a Roman wall. It stood as a ruin as late as the 1960s, but now there is no trace.
St Mary Bishophill Junior Folklore:
The hall adjoining York’s oldest church is the site of poltergeist activity. Footsteps have been heard, doors shaken, objects thrown across the hall and, in one instance, someone was pushed so hard by an invisible force they fell to the floor. Sounds of money being counted have also been heard coming from within.
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