St Sampson's Centre, York
In the heart of York, just by the infamous York Shambles is St Sampson's Church. Not much is known about the site other than it is suspected that the original was built pre-Norman and that the current church was built at some point before 1154. It is the only church in England to be dedicated to Saint Sampson of York.
The 15th century brought a rebuild of the church and in 1549 there was a plan to merge the parish with St Helen's in Stonegate that never happened. They did however end up with two bells from St Helen's though.
When the English Civil War hit even this sacred site wasn't safe. 1644 reported damage to the tower as well as the inside being destroyed by Parliamentarians. Just over 200 years later the church had to be rebuilt again after closure as the war had left it in such a state that it was abandoned. The decision was made by Frederick Bell to stay with the Gothic style, but due to this the church is now more Victorian than medieval. The tower had survived the war but was a lower height, we're talking half the size of what it used to be, and so it was rebuilt but not at quite the same height as before. 1910 brought it back up although this seemed slightly pointless as 59 years later the church closed and was gutted.
Luckily, George Pace saw the old parish church's potential and restored it. It was reopened in 1974 as a centre for the elderly and he had even inserted a mezzanine floor so that offices would be placed in the area above. He provided a kitchen and the sanctuary was made into a chapel. The site was even opened by the Queen Mother, and has proved quite popular ever since! It is now a safe place for people of all ages, but what lays heavy on our hearts is the fact the churchyard was levelled to make a courtside garden. We believe something so sacred should have been left as-is.
Regardless, this is a lovely site still well used in the heart of York. It seems unlikely to be haunted but it is a shame that more isn't known about it! We've used it as a guiding star twice now during our visit to York while trying to get our bearings and hope it is in for the long run!
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