St Denys's Church, York

St Denys' Church, York is a Grade I listed parish church in the Church of England on Walmgate in York.

History
It was built on the site of a Saxon church and possibly of a Roman temple (the earliest records date from c. 1154). Inside some of the earliest stained glass in York can be found: the sculpted Norman doorway and 15th century heraldic roof are also noteworthy features. The figure of St Denys can be seen in the 15th-century east window – fewer than 40 English churches are dedicated to this French saint.

The church was originally a lot larger than it is now, as part of the church subsided after the king's fishpool was drained; another part gave way shortly after as a sewer was being built nearby and the current main entrance is situated where a window used to be. Originally it also had a spire but, unfortunately, between the 17th and 18th century it was hit by a cannon shot and struck by lightning. The spire was only removed 20 years later after being partially blown down.

The church was rebuilt in 1798 and then in 1846 - 1847 there were further alterations including the rebuilding of the west end and tower, and north and south arcades under the supervision of the architect Thomas Pickersgill.

Burials

 * Henry Percy, 3rd Earl of Northumberland

Memorials

 * Robert Welborn Hotham c. 1806 by Fisher
 * James Melrose (d. 1837) by Plows
 * Rev John Walker, Rector, (d. 1813)
 * Dorothy Wilson (d. 1717)

Organ
The previous pipe organ was built by Thos. S. Hughes of Bradford and dates from 1925. A specification of the organ can be found on the National Pipe Organ Register.

In 2017/18 the organ was replaced by the 1879 Father Willis organ formerly at St Ebbe's Church, Oxford.