St Peter's Church presented with record

Thanks to The Arts Society Hambleton this historic building has now been given a complete Church Record.

Following over four years’ work by volunteers from The Arts Society Hambleton at St Peter’s Church in Osmotherley, the Church Record was handed over in the church on the 22nd September following the Sunday Service.

This Church contains elements that date back to the 12th century. The Church Record gives details of everything inside the church, such as stonework, metalwork, woodwork and textiles. The 163 page book includes nearly a hundred photographs and is in a format laid down by The Arts Society with whom the copyright resides. Nationally, since the very beginning, over 1,900 churches have been recorded by volunteers from societies such as ourselves that are affiliated to The Arts Society.

As well as the hard copy presented to St Peter’s, digital copies are lodged with English Heritage, the V & A Museum and the Church of England’s library. The Borthwick Institute in York and North Yorkshire County Record Office will also hold copies. 

The Arts Society Hambleton Church Recording Representative John Burrows said: “As a local society, we wanted to play our part in promoting the recognition and preservation of the rich artistic heritage in places of worship like St Peter’s. The resulting Church Record is a beautiful document and we are pleased that it has been much admired by those who have seen it.”

The Reverend Bill Dewing said he was delighted to receive the record, which was a marvellous snapshot of the interior of the church and its contents including such items as the 14th century chancel arch.

Eileen Bellett, Church Warden at St Peter’s added: “Following the recent remodelling work, we hope our church will be an asset to the community for a few more centuries and we shall treasure this record which will itself be a legacy for future generations.”

The gallery picture shows John Burrows from The Arts Society Hambleton presenting the Church Record to Eileen Bellett, Church Warden and Revd Bill Dewing