St James of Compostella

Getting here

The church is locked but the key is readily available for visitors. Details of the key holders are to be found on the notice board at the entrance to the churchyard.

"The Norman south doorway indicates that this small church was originally built in the 12th. century. It was remodelled in the 13th. century and largely rebuilt in 1741 after damage by a storm. It was restored in 1876 by John Dent, Lord of the Manor. There is a pretty Arts and Crafts inspired east window." (Information supplied by the East Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust, County Hall, Beverley, East Yorkshire, HU17 9BA. - www.eychurches.org.uk).

There are  type-written documents held by the church. Their provenance is not known; any information about their authorship would be welcome. They are here quoted verbatim:

"The doorway is of Norman construction. Above the door is a symbol. It takes the shape of a human head, but on closer  inspection it is a muzzlers bear. On inspecting the doorway arch itself you will find a zig-zag decoration which is typical of the 12th century. A parallel to this doorway is to be found on the cloister arcading of Bridlington Priory. The quoins on the east end of the church are made from calcareous grit, which would have had to have been transported from many miles away. The quoins show little signs of weathering. The glass in the windows is a late 19th century copy of the original glass which would have been 14th century in date, but the frames are the originals but these have been retouched in parts. The roofing was completely revised but some of the timbers look as though they could have been originals. The slates on the roof are 19th century. There is a bell cote protruding from the intersection of the nave and the chancel. This bell cote was put up when the church was restored. The bells were originally sited in the church at the western end. On entering the church one passes into the nave. There you will find the Norman font, which is sited on an octangular base. When closely examined, the font looks as though it has been refaced. What probably happened was that the old face was worn and during the restoration the stone masons decided to give it a new face. Travelling up the aisle you pass from the nave into the chancel. There is no pulpit, only a brass lectern on the dividing wall. In the chancel are the two oldest grave stones, the older of which belongs to Chr. Hildyard who died in 1768 at the age of 33 years. The Hildyard family originally from Winestead, near Hull where several of the Hildyards are buried. On the other side of the chancel is buried Hannah Dawson who died of smallpox at the age of 25 years in 1772. Her husband died 30 years later at Bridlington Quay."

Main Street
Lissett
Bridlington
YO25 8PY

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