St Gregory’s Minster, Kirkdale

Just a few miles from St Hilda’s Church in Ellerburn is the Anglo-Saxon Church of St Gregory in Kirkdale. The nave of the church was built in 1060 AD, though it was on the site of a more ancient church since an inscription above the door says… “Orm Gamal’s son bought St. Gregory’s Minster when it was all broken down and fallen and he let it be made anew from the ground to Christ and St. Gregory, in Edward’s days, the king, and in Tosti’s days, the Earl.”

A minster represented a central church in a region from which priests would be sent out to serve communities scattered around, perhaps even those who had no building but gathered at a stone cross for the mass when the priest came.

There are fragments of Saxon stonework in the walls of the building, and Saxon grave-slabs are preserved in the Church. Much of the church is medieval, including the 13^th century font and the remains of a 14^th century Virgin and Child.

Of unique interest is the Anglo-Saxon sundial set above the church door, which has the inscription naming Orm, who rebuilt the church, with the names of the priests who served in his time… “This is day’s Sun marker at every tide. And Haworth me wrought and Brand, priests.”