A church has stood on this site since Saxon times and has given the town its name. Kirkbymoorside
means 'Church by the Moor Side'. Saxon ornamental crosses were found many years ago in the churchyard.
Nothing more of the original Saxon church here remains. The earliest part of the present church is Norman.
One window on the south side of the Sanctuary is of Norman origin. Much of the rest of the church is medieval.
Of particular interest is the porch with the Priest's Chamber or Muniments Room above which has a
fireplace and chimney. The tower was rebuilt in 1803 and one original buttress on the north and one south side are preserved.
The interior has undergone many restorations. The Pillars at the west end of the Nave are twelfth century.
The Sedilia and the Piscina (pair of stone seats and washing basin beside them in the Sanctuary),
although restored are of ancient date. The interior was completely restored by Sir Gilbert Scott in 1875. The Lady Chapel
was furnished in 1932 and the Chancel Screen is a war memorial to those who fell in the First World War.
The church is now dedicated to All Saints' (formerly All Hallows). The registers date from 1622 and include the
record of the death of George Villiers 'Lord dook of Buckingham' a friend of Charles II in 1678.
The Church of St Aidan, Gillamoor, two miles north of here is a Chapel of Ease to Kirkbymoorside and linked
with this parish are the churches of St Mary, Farndale and St Nicholas, Bransdale.
The Vicar of Kirkbymoorside is Vicar of these three churches as well.

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Data transcribed by
Haydn Scott.
from photography by Colin Hinson