All Saints Church Youlgrave - Interior

A detail of a capital in the north arcade

The exterior of All Saints church in Youlgrave has many points of interest for the standing buildings archaeologist and architectural historian but, as a geologist, I particularly liked the mix of Carboniferous Limestone and Millstone Grit in the north aisle – not least because I think that I could use this a stopping point on a Sheffield U3A Geology Group field trip. 

The south door

Entering the porch, the sturdy looking pointed arch to the south doorway has quite crude mouldings and chamfers, which are an indication of a change from late Norman to the Early English Gothic architectural style, and this transition can also be seen in the arcades. 

A general view of the south arcade

The south arcade has stout circular columns, with octagonal section scalloped capitals, from which spring round arches and are typical of the late Norman period – dated c.1150 to 1170 by the church guide book. 

A view west along the nave

The north arcade, however, is significantly different. Although also round, the columns are slimmer than those in the south arcade, the capitals are square with more elaborate decoration – including volutes, foliage and heads – and the arches above are slightly pointed. 

Distortion of the arch and column in the north arcade

Looking more closely at the north arcade, and at other masonry in the church, it can also be seen that there has been some structural movement over the years. Although not as obvious as that seen at Selby Abbey, the arch to the westernmost bay is distorted and there is a distinct lean of the column towards the east; however, unlike at Selby Abbey, All Saints church is built on solid limestone and the settlement is probably due to an old lead mine that runs under the church. 

Sculpted figures in the nave 

Looking at the masonry in the nave, very large, well squared blocks of gritstone rise above the arcades to form the clerestory and this can also been seen in the walls that stretch westwards to the tower – with the north wall incorporating a 12th century sculpture and another C17 sculpture, found in the graveyard, being attached to the wall. 

The font

The very unusual C12 font, and a piscina that has been relocated to the north aisle, provide further points of interest to the general tourist but I was particularly interested in the various monuments and memorials that can be found in All Saints church.

A piscina