Church of All Saints, Old Byland
Church of All Saints, Village Green, Old Byland, York, North Yorkshire, YO62 5LG
The church is mentioned in the Doomsday Book but evidence from the coping stones and carvings suggest it was a Saxon church before the Norman alterations. The Byland monks were granted land at Tylas in 1143, but after disagreements with the cistercian monks at Rievaulx moved first to Stocking, then Kilburn and finally Byland. However, throughout the Middle Ages the village and church remained in their possession. There is a very rare Saxon sundial on the church tower, 12th century Saxon tiles and font in the Sanctuary, and a Cistercian font is used for baptisms. The village was near the scene of a fierce medieval battle at Sutton Bank -the Battle of Old Byland - between the Scots and the English on 14 October 1322, and was a significant victory for the Scots. However, this devastated the area and led to parts of the church being rebuilt in the 14th and 15th centuries.Historical information is on display and light refreshments will be available.
At this church, there will be an exhibition by local textile artist Sue Wressell, who will be exhibiting her artwork. In addition, there will be a display of information about our local Saint, Aelred of Rievaulx. On the village green local artist Peter Clarke has created a Labyrinth to celebrate the opening of the Saint Aelred’s Pilgrim Trail.
Timings & Tours
- Friday 13 September:
- 0900-1700
- Saturday 14 September:
- 0900-1700
- Sunday 15 September:
- 0900-1700
Location & directions
Church of All Saints, Village Green, Old Byland, York, North Yorkshire, YO62 5LG
- Directions:
- There are wide verges just outside the village where cars can park carefully. The church lies in the top north east corner of the village green, just behind the rectory.
- Contact on day:
- Saturday 14 September: George Gyte 07900 896739 or [email protected]. Saturday 15 September Ivan Holmes, Churchwarden, 07774 728530
- Telephone number:
- +447900896739
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
Disabled parking can take place on the area of the green outside the rectory.
Additional information
The area around Old Byland is a popular tourist destination, especially with walkers and there are many excellent walks from the village ranging from short easy strolls to more challenging distance hikes such as the Cleveland Way. It is on a several circular walks from Rievaulx Abbey as well as the National Park Sutton Bank Centre. The church is one of the locations along the new 41-mile long Saint Aelred's Pilgrim Trail. It is also a location on the Launch Event Gathering Walk on Saturday 14 September 2024.
