Retired police officers uncover Yorks hidden churches

Two retired police officers have teamed up to run tours of York's lesser known churches.

While many visitors are familiar with the imposing York Minster at the heart of the city, David MacLennon and Peter Marsland are just as passionate about the other churches.

Marsland has combined his knowledge as a Reader in training and Churchwarden at Holy Trinity Micklegate with MacLennon's experience as a qualified tour guide to create HT Tours - the HT standing for Holy Trinity.

The tour company was set up after Marsland realised that many visitors to York did not know about his church, built on a site where Christians have been gathering for worship since before the Norman conquest.

Mr Marsland said, “York has such a rich and varied Christian history, but visitors often just go to the Minster and miss out on the other churches!

"We want to help visitors explore the other churches in the city and discover how wonderful they are.

"Both David and I spent much of our police careers in York, so we know the city and its churches intimately.”

David MacLennan said, “Our tours won’t just be looking at the history of York’s churches, but also show people how vibrant the Christian life in York is today. We hope to take people to services and events in the churches and perhaps encourage them to get involved with their own churches as well.”

The Archdeacon of York and rector of Holy Trinity church, the Venerable Richard Seed, said he was delighted by the idea.

"I hope that the visitors who go on their tours will gain wonderful insights into York’s churches, discover more of their history, and explore the Christian life in York today,” he said.

HT Tours provides 3-hour guided walking tours of York, for up to 20 people. To find out more, contact Peter Marsland on 01904 670960 or at peter.marsland1@btopenwolrd.com