HCT 2025 Historic Churches in Rural North Yorkshire

A fascinating tour of rural churches set in the stunning North Yorkshire countryside, steeped in history and tragedy.

St Martin's Church, Allerton Mauleverer This neo-Norman church in parkland was remodelled between 1745-46. Internal features include several timber Medieval effigies reputed to depict the Knights of Mauleverer, who founded the old church on this site. Local Community colleagues are working hard to agree a visit to Allerton Castle a nineteenth-century Victorian Gothic house rebuilt by architect George Martin.

St Mary's Church, Roecliffe Set near a beautiful village green, this unusual barrel-vaulted neo-Norman church is appealingly simple. Inside it has many interesting furnishings including: a Jacobean pulpit; a seventeenth-century communion table; and a vestry door from York Minster as well as a series of carved panels in the vestry. The community around St Mary’s cares deeply for the church and use it regularly, they’re currently working with CCT through the Community Initiative Project process to conserve the stained glass east window.

Church of Christ the Consoler, Skelton-on-Ure This church surrounded by huge beech trees, is impressive with its lofty spire, pinnacles and fine rose window. Designed in the style of a Medieval French church, with its colourful and vibrant interior, this Victorian church seems the very celebration of life, yet it stands as a testament to tragedy. Set in the grounds of Newby Hall and within a short walk to the village this beautiful church benefits from the support of both communities.

St Michael's Church, Cowthorpe St Michael's is an impressive, imposing-looking church built by eminent lawyer Bryan Roucliff in 1458, full of treasures bestowed by the Roucliff family. In the chancel is an elaborate Easter Sepulchre and a monumental brass with effigies of a man and woman believed to be Roucliff and his wife. Anthony, if he’s around will be only too happy to explain the important role the church still plays in village life and his interesting ‘upside down church’ theory.