Conservation and Stonework Restoration at St Michael le Belfrey
Following receipt of £15,000 from the YHCT in October 2023, St Michael le Belfrey progressed with a major conservation project aimed at repairing and restoring the significant historic stonework of this Grade I listed church located opposite York Minster.
A comprehensive scaffolding system provided access to the church’s upper stonework and via a combination of jet washing and application of a poultice, paste-like mixture applied to the surface of the stone, the old white paint was safely removed. This process revealed exciting traces of historic colour beneath a wall memorial, suggesting the church’s medieval interior was once richly decorated to complement stained-glass windows.
Repairs to the North, East and South elevations began after cleaning. These works involved removing redundant fixings and loose material, dismantling unstable stone sections, and rebuilding them using new Magnesian Limestone matched carefully to the original fabric. As one of the project’s most substantial cost components—totalling over £1 million—the stonework programme remains ongoing and is expected to complete in summer 2026. Early completed sections show exceptional craftsmanship and high-quality results.
The grant from the YHCT directly supported the repair of tracery around clerestory windows. These North-side elements had deteriorated more severely due to increased exposure and a wind vortex created between St Michael le Belfrey and York Minster.
Trustees of the YHCT were delighted to support this important project awarding the highest grant of £15,000, only the 3rd occasion this sum has been allocated within the last 11 years.