The Origin of the Church

The beginnings of the building are impossible to date with accuracy but it appears to have been built before 1207 a.d. by the Fossard family. They owned the Manor of Hexthorpe under Count Robert of Mortain half brother of William the Conqueror.

It is recorded that in 1207 Robert de Turnham and his wife Joan (in settlement of a dispute) released all rights in the Church at Doncaster to the monks of Saint Mary, York reserving to themselves the advowson of the two chapels of Loversall and Rossington.

The right of advowson now belongs to the Vicar of Doncaster.

Two pairs of ancient Oak Stalls stand at the back of the Nave. The origin of these is uncertain but they may have come from Doncaster Parish Church in view of its close association with Loversall. Their technical name is misericords.

14th century Table Tomb

This stands outside the Wirral Chapel. It is thought to be the only one in the country. Its ornate decoration is just as though some 14th century mason had gone to his pattern book for ideas and decided to include all of the current designs of his period.

On the top (now badly weathered) is a long floriated cross together with a sword.

It is not known who is in the tomb however the Knights of St. John had some property in Loversall so it could be one of them. John Wirral (benefactor) asked in his will to be buried in the Church at Loversall .If this request was met there is no indication of where inside the church he lies. Could this tomb be his?