Historic Yorkshire church vandalised two years ago still working to fix precious windows
When vandals struck at St Mary’s Church in Thirsk, smashing 18th century panes, the Revd Mary Rolls didn’t expect the uproar that followed.
What it shows, she said now, is that people really do care about these buildings.
“There was huge outcry, and a lot of upset,” she said. “People really value their church. Not just the congregation but the whole community.
“What we don’t see is that there is a lot of goodwill, people do love them.”
St Mary’s is famous for its stained glass, and that remains undamaged. It was heritage glass, with tiny panes dating back to 1870, that was shattered back in 2024.
People can easily see the south side of the church, facing the high street. The north though, is quiet and surrounded by graves.
Revd Rolls believes it was a crime of chance, rather than targeted. Someone smashed some windows. It just so happens that the glass was precious, and hundreds of years old.
“It was opportunistic,” she said. “From the damage that was done, it was probably kids that knocked some panels out. It was either rocks being thrown, or someone with an air rifle.”
The strength of feeling that came out afterwards, though, from people who were shocked or upset by what had happened, has reinforced her belief that people do love these buildings.
“It isn’t related to whether you have a Christian belief or go to church,” she added. “It’s about the standing it has in its community.”
Churches have been at the heart of towns and villages for centuries, and at the heart of people’s stories. Where relatives are buried, where they were christened or married.
British churches have, through history, been a cornerstone of these markers in people’s lives, and communities do cherish them, she added.
“The thing about churches is, and particularly in rural communities where generations of the same family have passed before us, is they are a measure of identity for a lot of people.
“It taps into their history. We are stewarding the church and honouring the people who came before us. When it’s desecrated or damaged, it cuts really deep.”
And recovery isn’t as easy. Church leaders can’t simply call up glazier to have them replaced, each panel must match the heritage of the build.
There are 12 to 15 panes to fix, and teams are still in the process of securing the work.
To communities, the Revd’s message is to keep working together to raise that voice.
“If you value the church, do talk to people about what you see,” she said. Raise that voice.”
To back the church’s fundraising efforts visit thirskparishes.org.