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 is special because it has a rare sundial from that time. It is also a Grade I listed building, which means it's a very important historic building.
The church was built around the year 1060. It stands where an even older church used to be. It is named after Saint Gregory, who was a pope from 590 to 604. The church was changed and updated a lot in the 1400s and again in the 1800s. It was also repaired and made new between 1907 and 1909. This church looks a lot like St Hilda's Church in Ellerburn, which is also very old.
St Gregory's Minster is open for visitors during the day. Volunteers are often there to help and share information about the church. Church services are held every week. A group called 'The Friends of St Gregory's Minster' helps pay for the church's upkeep. They also hold a special meeting and a talk about the local area each year.
What is a Minster Church?
A minster is a type of church that was important in early English history. These churches often served as centers for teaching and worship. They were usually larger and more significant than regular local churches. St Gregory's Minster has been a key part of its community for centuries.
The Kirkdale Sundial
One of the most amazing things at St Gregory's Minster is its sundial. This sundial is located above the church door. It was made a very long time ago, between about 1055 and 1065.
The sundial has words carved into it in Anglo-Saxon language. Historic England has translated these words for us. They say: "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 when Edward the Confessor was king and Tostig Godwinson was an Earl. Tostig was a powerful leader who also rebuilt a monastery in Tynemouth Castle and Priory around 1065. The sundial also mentions the priests, Haworth and Brand, who helped create it.
Images for kids
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St Gregory's Minster, Kirkdale
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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
