St Mary’s Church in Thirsk, England was built in the Perpendicular Gothic style and construction began in 1430, with completion in 1480. The church replaced a Norman Church and traces of the previous structure can be seen in the South Aisle and walls, and there are suggestions of a Saxon Minster before that. The church is a simple yet noble design, featuring a lofty clerestoried nave with aisles, a lower chancel built over a crypt, a west tower, and a two-storeyed porch. The exterior features an openwork parapet with traceried battlements, slender pinnacles, gargoyles, and an array of windows that flood the interior with light.
The tower has unusual buttresses, stepped and sloping, along with a niche that contains a battered sculpture, probably depicting the Madonna. The porch boasts an oak roof with bosses, and the richly moulded inner doorway is adorned with a magnificent, yet worn, 15th-century door featuring studs, tracery, and a wicket. The church has beautiful old woodwork throughout.
Famous author James Herriot, also known as Alf Wight, married Joan Anderson at St Mary’s Church on November 5th, 1941. The church is listed on the Historic England website, and more information can be found at the Thirsk Parish Church webpage.