FRIENDS OF FAIRFAX HOUSE: AUTUMN AND WINTER PROGRAMME 2015/16
Thursday 08 October
1.30pm at Husthwaite
THREE MORE YORKSHIRE CHURCHES
HUSTHWAITE, COXWOLD AND KILBURN
Following the success of last year's churches visit, we will this afternoon explore more examples of
Yorkshire’s remarkable heritage of ecclesiastical architecture, these three all very different in
character.
St Nicholas Husthwaite has been described as a small and precious gem of a mid 12th century
Norman church. The lower part of the tower still contains much Norman stonework and the south
door of c1140 is richly carved with zigzag and other decoration. The simple unaisled nave completes
the picture of medieval charm. At the other end of the scale there is some interesting 20th century
glass.
St Michael Coxwold is perhaps more familiar to some us, but always worth another visit as one of the
more unusual and beautifully situated churches in the North Riding. Its most striking feature is the
octagonal 15th century west tower. The unaisled nave too is Perpendicular, but the chancel is
Georgian and full of monuments, mostly of the Bellasis family, some of whom played an important
part in the lives of the Fairfaxes, not far away. The Georgian box pews in the nave were given by
Laurence Sterne who was vicar here for eight years, and a visitor to Fairfax House.
St Mary Kilburn. Much of the church has been renovated in Victorian times, but some early work
remains, revealing the early origin of the building. The south doorway is largely Norman with three
orders of zigzag. Norman decoration can also be seen in the chancel arch. Kilburn was, of course, the
home of Robert Thompson and the church is filled with his splendid furniture, a fitting memorial to
him and his craftsmen.
We have been invited to tea at Oldstead Hall by Tony and Sheila Gilham, which we can guarantee will
come up to the expected standard!
Own transport meeting 1.30pm at Husthwaite church. We should share transport as far as possible.
Please indicate on the booking form if you can offer a lift or require one.
Cost: £15, includes donations to churches and afternoon tea
Wednesday 18 November
7.30pm
EVENING HOUSE PARTY
Fairfax House
This year we are to hold only one event to replace our usual Christmas Concerts. We hope to recreate a
Winter House Party as might have been given by Lord Fairfax and Lady Anne. We invite you to enjoy
moving round the whole house to enjoy music, drama and readings while partaking in wine, soft drinks and
light refreshments.
Cost: £20 (member): £22.00 (non-member).
2
Wednesday 17 February
2.30pm
York Medical Society Rooms, 23 Stonegate
We welcome a return visit from David Allen who fascinated us all last year with his talk on the character of
the Georgian gentleman. This time we will learn much about another important aspect of the 'polite society':
Taking Tea in the 18th Century.
As always, this talk and the next will be followed by a delicious homemade afternoon tea which may even
surpass Georgian expectations.
Cost £10.00 including full afternoon tea.
Friday 11 March
2.30pm
York Medical Society Rooms, 23 Stonegate
Many of us will be familiar with Ripley Castle, the impressive home of the Ingleby family who have
lived there for over 700 years. So it will be a great privilege to welcome Sir Thomas Ingleby, the
present owner. He will give us an illustrated talk on Castle Life in the 21st century, in which we are
likely to hear of very different problems from those faced by his predecessors in previous centuries.
Cost £10.00 including full afternoon tea.
Monday 11 April
1.30 for 2.00pm
AGM
Friends Meeting House, Friargate
The formal proceedings of the Annual General Meeting will be followed by an illustrated talk by Dr
Kate Giles of York University on The Medieval Guildhalls of York.
No booking needed. Full details with the agenda will be given in the March Newsletter.