Robin Hood’s Bay

Old St Stephen's

This intriguing period piece of 1821-2, stands prominently on its hillside above Robin Hood’s Bay, looking out to sea and on a site where people have worshipped for many centuries. Externally it looks severe and windswept; internally it is a rare and unaltered example of a church furnished for the preaching of the Word - a real ‘preaching box’ which has escaped re-ordering - with galleries to the north and west, box pews below and a superb three-decker pulpit half way along the south side.

The sea is a recurring theme throughout and there are memorials to the shipwrecked in the church and churchyard, a list of rescues by the lifeboat and a model of the SS Pretoria. Rare survivals are the ‘maiden’s garlands’, which were carried in the funeral procession of a maiden.

Open daily throughout the year

At all other times the key is held by a key-holder nearby : further information in the church porch

St. Stephen’s is in the care of The Churches Conservation Trust.

Address

Old St Stephen's
Whitby Road
North Yorkshire
YO22 4PE

Google Map

Built by Jack Barber in Whitby, North Yorkshire. Visit Herbal Apothecary for herbal practitioner supplies, Sweet Cecily's for natural skincare, BeeVital for propolis health supplements and Future Health Store for whole foods, health supplements, natural & ethical gifts.