St Gregory's Minster, Kirkdale facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Gregory's Minster |
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| 54°15′47″N 0°57′46″W / 54.26306°N 0.96278°W | |
| Location | Kirkdale, North Yorkshire |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| History | |
| Dedication | Saint Gregory |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Grade I listed |
| Style | Anglo-Saxon |
| Years built | c. 1060 |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Kirkdale |
| Diocese | Diocese of York |
St Gregory's Minster is a very old church in Kirkdale, England. It was built a long time ago, during the Anglo-Saxon period. This church has a special, rare sundial that is over 900 years old! It is considered a really important historical building, known as a Grade I listed building. This means it has special protection because of its history and architecture.
This church was built around the year 1060. It stands where an even older church used to be. It's named after Saint Gregory, who was a Pope many centuries ago. The church has been changed and fixed up several times. Major updates happened in the 1400s and again in the 1800s. It was also carefully restored between 1907 and 1909.
Today, St Gregory's Minster is open for visitors during the day. Volunteers are often there to share information. Church services are held every week. A group called "The Friends of St Gregory's Minster" helps to keep the building in good condition.
The Church Community
The church in Kirkdale is part of a special partnership with other local churches. This means they work together to serve their communities. These churches include:
- St Saviour's Church in Harome
- St Hilda's Church in Beadlam
- All Saints’ Church in Nunnington
- St John the Baptist's Church in Pockley
The Ancient Sundial
One of the most amazing things about St Gregory's Minster is the sundial above the church door. This sundial is very old, dating back to the 11th century, probably between 1055 and 1065. It's like an ancient clock!
The sundial has an inscription written in Anglo-Saxon, which is an old form of English. Historic England has translated it for us. It 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. This is day's Sun marker at every tide. And Haworth me wrought and Brand, priests."
This inscription tells us that a person named Orm, son of Gamal, bought the church when it was in ruins. He then had it rebuilt from the ground up. This happened during the time of King Edward (who was Edward the Confessor) and Earl Tosti (who was Tostig Godwinson). Tostig was an important Earl who also rebuilt a monastery around 1065. The sundial was made by two priests named Haworth and Brand.
This sundial is a fantastic piece of history. It shows us how people kept track of time almost a thousand years ago!
Images for kids
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Aerial view from the north-west
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From the west
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Interior from the west
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Interior from the east
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Stained glass
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Font
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Organ
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Weathercock
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Roof
