By the time we left Guisborough on the Thursday afternoon the light was going but I so wanted to stop on the way back to Saltburn and see this Grade 2 listed church. I had a glimpse of it earlier as we passed through Skelton, hidden from the road by trees like a burried treasure.
We drove down the little lane and parked outside the neighbouring cottages. All seemed quite sleepy and so still and peaceful – a little corner of heaven.
Once again I could not believe that these notices on graveyard gates are necessary…who in their right mind would let their dog foul in a graveyard.
There is only a grassy path leading to this Georgian church, the old graves stand like a guard of honour to the right hand side and little mounds of snowdrops have naturalised here and there.
I knew we were in for a treat when we saw this window beside the entrance. It is like something time forgot.
The whole place had vases of mainly dried flowers dotted around on dust laden window sills with a sprinkling of pine cones or seedheads, but a hint that someone is caring for this redundant church. I hope my photos do it justice, the light levels were so low making the pictures grainy but I have not adjusted them as it adds to the atmosphere that we experienced…quietly we crept around feeling like an intrusion.
Like many of these old churches, there has been rebuilding and additions over the years and the version you see here took place in 1785, replacing an earlier medieval building. The first thing that strikes you is the flat plastered ceiling running the whole length of the church and the beautiful rose coloured plaster of the walls. Quite often in churches you would find a vaulted ceiling and this flat ceiling feels quite out of place and very low, cutting through the windows up in the gallery.
I didn’t spot any lighting or heating pipes so I am presuming there is neither. The old wooden pews are the box type with rows of little carved wooden doors.
The rather grand pulpit is set to the side of the aisle, adorned with a frill of lace and opposite is a raised room off to one side which would have seated the well to do family of Skelton Castle and housed a welcoming warm fire in the fireplace. What a difference wealth meant in those days.
There is a large expanse before the alter and this side door is left open presumably to allow a little more light to flood into the place, revealing all the plaques of bible texts and tributes that adorn the walls.
The gallery is reached by a simple but narrow wooden staircase at the back of the church.
On the widow sill at the top of the staircase we found this rather gorgeous ‘crown’ of coloured glass – a Round Community Lantern. I am sure it is a most beautiful sight once lit.
Round the back of the church you can see Skelton Castle through the railings.
The grounds surrounding the church are shrouded with mature trees and the old graves stones seem to march on into the woodlands – just beyond this point is a sharp drop down to the beck…I was almost expecting to see a mass of tangled graves lying in the valley below as if they had marched right over the face of the banking.
I hope the occupants of nos 1 & 2 Church Lane do not mind I sneaked in this little photo of their charming abodes. The light had just been switched on and it looked so warm and welcoming inside the cottage as cottages do. I wonder if they are the Friends referred to in the notice and the ones that keep this old church from being forgotten forever.
I expect though there are no weddings, christenings or even funerals taking place here now, but a candlelit carol service at Christmas would be so magical.
Once we were back on the road it was a short drive into Saltburn and as dusk was settling in the place began to light up and an opportune time for taking more photographs.
The Pier was empty now – though we noticed from our apartment window that many brave souls have been walking up and down all week no matter what the weather. It had become bitterly cold and the tide was coming in quickly with waves crashing about underneath the structure.
We eventually headed back to the warmth of the apartment and a very welcome hot drink.
I covered our trip to Kirkleatham Museum in my last post. Saturday was our last day in Saltburn. We packed the car and left just after 10am and met the owners who were about to go in to clean. It was dry, calm, sunny and the although there was snow on the surrounding hills and passing cars it was by far the warmest day since we visited my mum the Sunday before. We did not want to waste this change in the weather just travelling home so we decided to stop en route at Nunnington Hall.
We happened to have a free National Trust voucher as well as a flask of soup and sandwiches. Nunnington Hall is yet another fascinating place…but that is certainly another post.
Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed the photos. Our week in Saltburn was a much needed break and despite the weather we saw some fascinating things and learnt a lot about life in the the local area. I have no doubt we will be booking this apartment and visiting Saltburn again.
Back soon x
where the journey takes me 2 