North Yorkshire Churches: History within (and without)

Touring the many ancient churches of North Yorkshire reveals a colourful history often spanning many eras.

Some date to Anglo-Saxon and Viking times and still exhibit these features –  these artefacts are either stored within the church, or sometimes incorporated into the building itself, set into walls or mounted in the grounds.

These images show some churches and surrounding historic buildings with early heritage, most rebuilt on ancient sites with hints of their dim and distant past.

Kirkdale Minster is set in a wooded valley with a river nearby. It was rebuilt in Norman times and dedicated to Pope Gregory. Hints of a more ancient site remain.  ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Gregory‘s_Minster,_Kirkdale ).

(Kirkdale Minister)

The Church of St Nicholas sits on the banks of the River Rye at West Tanfield, very close to the Marmion Tower which acted as a fortified gatehouse for a manor House occupied by the Norman Lord – Lord Marmion whose tomb sits in the church.   (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marmion_Tower ).

(Church of St Nicholas)