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St Olave’s Church
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Marygate, York, YO30 7DR -
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8:00 am - 8:00 pm
Standing alongside the walls of St Mary's Abbey, the church of St Olave is one of York's oldest.
Booking This Attraction
Attraction Duration
Approx. 1hr+
Age Range
Suitable for all ages
About St Olave’s Church
St Olave’s was founded in the mid-11th century, by Siward, Earl of Northumbria.
The church became the property of Alan, Count of Brittany, which he handed to Benedictine monks.
St Olave’s was used as the abbey chapel for the Benedictine House, St Mary’s, which occupied a large part of what is now the Museum Gardens.
The building’s north wall formed part of St Mary’s defences in the medieval period.
The church was named after the Patron Saint of Norway, Saint Olaf, a Viking warrior who became King of Norway between 1015 and 1028, a reign marked by continuous conflict.
His missionary attempts in remote parts of the country proved unpopular amongst some of his subjects and enemies.
Olaf was defeated and killed at the Battle of Stiklestad, near Trondheim, by Danish and rebel Norwegian troops in 1030.
Culture 
History & Heritage 
Family Friendly 
Walking 
