St Gregory Minster
Kirkdale, Yorkshire
Standing alone in a valley, surrounded by its quiet churchyard with a backdrop of woodland, St Gregory's looks ancient, and it is.
The stone church, with its slate roof, stands proudly overlooking the Vale of Pickering, offering a view towards the Howardian Hills. The nave, dating from the 1200s, features two doorways and two lancet windows. The 18th century chancel, with its round-headed windows, contrasts with the medieval architecture. A 19th century bell-turret houses two bells, both dating from 1350 AD. Above the south door, an Anglo-Danish sundial bears the inscription "Othan me prohtea" ("Othan has wrought me"). Inside, a millstone-like Norman font, adorned with arcade carvings, adds to the historic charm. The simple, 17th century communion rail, altar, and stoop contribute to the church's quiet reverence.
In 1897, the church underwent a sensitive restoration by C. Hodgson-Fowler. The churchyard holds a collection of table-top tombs and graves, including one belonging to the family of Rudyard Kipling.