Pickering Parish Church stands at the heart of the Market Town of Pickering. It contains one of the most complete examples of medieval wall-paintings surviving in this country, talked of by art historians as amongst the most important in northern Europe. These are no dry academic studies, though, and our Visitors' Book confirms how exciting people find them.

What is there? A giant St Christopher striding through water greets you; St George slaying the dragon, nearby. Other scenes depicted include beheadings of various saints, amongst them St John the Baptist, St Catherine (of firework fame), Thomas Becket and St Edmund. There are scenes depicting the Death and Resurrection of Jesus, and a fantastic (and rare) Harrowing of Hell, which many people mistakenly assume to be a judgement, but is really Christ rescuing the souls of the damned. It's brilliant!

The paintings were first completed in about 1450. Painted over at the Reformation, they were rediscovered in 1852 but the then Vicar didn't like them; thought them 'popish' and 'idolatrous', and had them whitewashed out again! But his successor restored them, and saved them for future generations.

Entry to the church is free. It is the only building in Pickering open 365 days a year. It is usually open from 9am to 5pm daily.

One note of caution: the church is surrounded with shops so although its spire is a landmark from afar, nearer to, people sometimes miss it. It's approached from Market Place - Pickering's main shopping street - via steps. There is wheelchair access from Hallgarth (at the east of the church), and a door for access by disabled users is at the right of the main porch.

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