St Mary, Birdforth

It is rare for this charming little church, or its hamlet, to be noticed by drivers on the busy trunk road between York and Teesside, but it is simple and unspoilt, and well worth a visit. It has rubble walls and pantiled roofs, and consists only of a nave, chancel and bell cote. Originally Norman or pre-Conquest, the building seems to have been slightly altered in Tudor times. There is a stone coat of arms dated 1585.