There have been two periods of notable growth in the past 250 years. William Richardson was vicar 1771 to 1821. He was a powerful preacher the gallery was built in 1785 to accommodate the much larger congregations and it is even said that at times the glass was removed form certain windows of the church so that those outside who couldn't get in could hear his preaching! Richardson did much for prisoners and poor, and founded the Sunday schools in York. A memorial to him is on the wall to the left of the reredos.