St. Helen's Church - The North Arcade

A general view of the north arcade

A close examination of the exterior of St. Helen’s church shows various styles of stone masonry, using both Rotherham Red sandstone and dolomitic limestone, which probably dates as far back as the 12th century; the Norman style round arch to the south doorway provides the best evidence for its antiquity.

A detail of the pier and capital

Once inside the church, the north arcade is also seen to be Norman - 1175 to 1200, according to Sir Nikolaus Pevsner – with round, single stepped arches resting on piers with an octagonal profile and simply moulded capitals.

I had been inside the church only once before, to go up the tower, and I was therefore surprised to discover that the north arcade is constructed in limestone.

Looking since at other mediaeval churches that are built on, or very near to the outcrop of the Rotherham Red sandstone, dolomitic limestone has also been extensively used in various Norman style arcades and doorways.  

The Normans had demonstrated that they were master builders in stone – at Conisbrough Castle and Roche Abbey – and they knew perfectly well that Rotherham Red sandstone was not a first class building material. 

Although they probably didn’t appreciate the shakes and vents that are found in the Magnesian Limestone - which is quite unlike Caen Stone - it was good enough for the solid structural and simple decorative elements that are seen in St. Helen's church.

A view of the north arcade through the south arcade