St Mary the Virgin's Church at Studley Royal, Aldfield with Studley, Ripon, Yorkshire. Free entry
Details
Accessibility
St Mary's has a long, flat access road with one step, a platform then a step up into the church.
"The church is wheelchair accessible. Disabled visitors can be set down at the Church. Please contact the National Trust at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal for further details."
Brief description
St Mary's was built in 1870 in the Gothic Revival style designed by the architect, William Burges. It is a listed building. It is sumptuously decorated with gilding, multi-coloured marble, beautiful wood carving, elaborate ironwork and striking stained windows. The theme is "Paradise Lost and Paradise Regained". It was declared redundant as a church prior to being maintained by English Heritage but opening hours are set by the National Trust and is used very occasionally for weddings and other celebrations. Most of the interior decoration is in the chancel but the nave appears fairly plain by comparison. It is very much in the Anglican High Church style. Lord and Lady Ripon who have marble effigies in the vault, wanted the church to have a musical focus so built a house for a music master and organist nearby. The font is made of marble from Tennessee in the USA. It is reasonably well lit, though dark in places.
https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/st-marys-church-studley-royal/history/description/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Mary's,_Studley_Royal "A Victorian Gothic Revival church built in the Early English style by William Burges.[1] It is located in the grounds of Studley Royal Park at Fountains Abbey, in North Yorkshire, England. Burges was commissioned by the First Marquess of Ripon to build the church as a memorial church to Frederick Grantham Vyner, his brother in law. It is one of two such churches, the other being the Church of Christ the Consoler at Skelton-on-Ure."
Address
Chair Walk
Ripon
HG4 3DY
fountainsabbey@nationaltrust.org.uk
Phone
0370 333 1181
Website
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fountains-abbey-and-studley-royal-water-garden
https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/st-marys-church-studley-royal/
Directions
From Ripon follow Park Street west then take the first exit off the roundabout to Studley Road, and follow this B6265 road for a couple of miles then turn off south at the National Trust sign marked Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal. This road leads to the first turn to the left which leads to St Mary's.
"Parking: There is a free car park at the Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Visitor Centre, a ten minute walk from the church. The Studley Royal Deer Park car park is closer to the church but is pay and display."
Opening Times
Current times (pre 2022) are from 1pm to 3pm but always check with the venue directly for up-to-date information including opening times and admission charges as they may be subject to change. https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/st-marys-church-studley-royal/
Transport
The number 139 Dales bus travels between Leeds, Ripon and Studley Royal.
Amenities
"There is a restaurant located at Fountains Abbey Studley Royal visitor centre and a tearoom at the Abbey. These are not managed by English Heritage. You can find toilet facilities at the Studley Royal tea room, located near Studley Royal car park." There is a cafe and visitor centre at Studley Royal. Please check for opening times 2022.
Travel Information
For further travel information please see: www.traveline.info
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Location
Nearest Venues
*Distances are calculated in a straight line from the current venue, please allow extra time/distance based on available paths or roads.