St Stephen's Church, Fylingdales
North Yorkshire
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About this church
A fishermen's church overlooking the sea
Likened to an old mariner gazing out to sea, St Stephen's stands majestically on the hillside between Whitby and Ravenscar, overlooking Robin Hood's Bay. Built in 1821, its appearance can be severe but the church resonates with the history of a resilient North Sea fishing community.
Inside, painted box pews, a full-length gallery and a three-decker pulpit, designed for the preaching of the Word, have all survived. The sea is a recurring theme throughout and there are memorials to the shipwrecked in both the church and churchyard. Successful lifeboat rescue missions are listed and there is also a touching display of rare maiden's garlands - 'crowns' used in the funeral processions of young and chaste women.
Outside, windswept gravestones huddle tightly round the church walls. Some recall tragedies: strangers who drowned on the coast or locals whose lives were cruelly claimed by the sea.
Your support and generosity is what helps us keep the doors to these special places open. We could not do it without you.
If you would like to donate to the upkeep and maintenance of Old St Stephen’s please text FYL to 70970 to donate £5 or to 70191 to give £10. Every donation really does make a difference to these beautiful churches. Thank you!
Take A Stroll Amongst The Stones and uncover some of the fascinating history of the church and the lives and deaths of the community around it.
Enjoy a spell of calm reflection with our Mindful Moments.
Access information
There are several steps through the gate into the churchyard and a steep path to the church. There are several steps into the main door. Wheelchair users and visitors with disabilities may need assistance. There are uneven pathways from both entrances to the churchyard which can be slippery in wet weather. There is a good level of natural light inside the church.
Facilities & hire
Due to the historic nature of our buildings, only a very small number of them have heating, running water and toilet facilities. The lighting is usually operated via a 'push button' timer or a motion sensor.
- Church available for hire
Directions
5 miles south east of Whitby; take the B1447, the church is on the right before the road descends into Robin Hood's Bay.
Transport
Nearest railway station: Whitby (4.9 miles). Arriva Bus 93 runs a regular service from Middlesborough bus station to Scarborough rail station going past the church.
History & further information
Why not make your visit more enjoyable and informed by finding out more about this church and the CCT before you visit? You can download a range of publications below including the relevant county guide, and any walk round guides we have for this church.
Fylingdales Old St. Stephen - Your Church Tour
This free of charge short guide contains details of all the churches CCT cares for in North, South and West Yorkshire. Printed copies of the county guides are also available at the church.
Community information
All our North Yorkshire churches are in CCT's North region.
- Discover North Yorkshire tourism website
- Days out with the kids in North Yorkshire
- North Yorkshire Moors Steam Railway
- A history of North Yorkshire in 10 objects
- The City of York and District Family History Society
- Family History Section of Yorkshire Archaeological Society
- Yorkshire Archaeological Society
- List of churches in North Yorkshire
- North Yorkshire is in the Diocese of York
