This small church situated 500 feet above sea level on the Yorkshire
Wolds is on the site of an earlier lost village. The church with Medieval
origins was restored in 1852 by Timothy Fysh Foord Bowes, in memory of
his wife Juliet, to designs by Miss Elizabeth Sykes of Sledmere, who also
donated the west window. St Mary's had its own rector until 1928 and a
plaque to his memory is on the north wall of the nave.
 
The church has early post-Norman Conquest stonework in the north wall
of the nave and in 2005, during an archaeological survey, a small piece of
Medieval wall painting was discovered. It is possible that there has been
a south aisle, as the depths of the north and south walls differ, which is
plainly seen in the window recesses.
 
The spray of lilies on a memorial plaque on the south wall of the chancel
was carved by Sir Francis Chantrey (1781-1841).
 
The most interesting feature in the church is the early Norman font,
possibly dating from 1135. It is wonderfully carved with great detail.
 
Starting at the north side you see a Bishop with one hand in blessing and
his crozier in the other. The crozier is facing him showing he is in his own
Bishopric.
 
Jacob and Esau, the twins follow. They are shown embracing after their
estrangement.
 
The lady is probably St Mary to whom this church is dedicated.
 
Next a very detailed portrayal of the Temptation of Adam and Eve. The
serpent is facing Eve with the forbidden fruit. Quite plain to see are
Adam's ribs and he and Eve hiding their nakedness.
 
There follows one of only two scenes on a font in England showing the
Massacre of the Innocents. There is a soldier with a sword and Herod
seated on a saltire cross style stool with a sword on his knee.
 
The Magi follow bearing their gifts to the Christ Child, who is sitting on
his mother's knee. She is on a throne with a lily in.her hand. All five
figures are crowned.