Low Caythorpe Village

Heritage Site in Yorkshire

England

Low Caythorpe Village

The Rudston Monolith and Church of All Saints The monolith is an ancient scheduled monument and now a Grade I listed building.
A feature in the landscape for over 2000 years — The Rudston Monolith and Church of All Saints Credit: Kevin Waterhouse

Low Caythorpe Village is a charming and picturesque heritage site located in the beautiful region of Yorkshire, England. Situated on the outskirts of the historic city of York, this village offers visitors a glimpse into the area's rich history and traditional English countryside.

The village is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, with many timber-framed houses and thatched cottages still standing today. These buildings, along with the village's cobbled streets and stone walls, create a quaint and inviting atmosphere that is reminiscent of a bygone era.

One of the standout features of Low Caythorpe Village is its 12th-century parish church, St. Peter's. This Grade II listed building is a testament to the village's long-standing religious heritage and features stunning stained glass windows and intricate stone carvings.

Nature enthusiasts will find plenty to explore in the surrounding countryside, with rolling hills, green meadows, and winding walking trails. The village is also home to a number of well-maintained gardens, offering visitors a chance to relax and enjoy the tranquility of the area.

For those interested in history, Low Caythorpe Village is ideally situated near several notable landmarks. The famous Castle Howard, a grand stately home and garden, is just a short drive away, as is the historic city of York, with its iconic York Minster and medieval city walls.

Overall, Low Caythorpe Village is a hidden gem in Yorkshire, offering visitors a chance to step back in time and experience the beauty of traditional English village life. Whether you are interested in history, nature, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, this heritage site is sure to captivate and inspire.

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Low Caythorpe Village Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.092/-0.295 or Grid Reference TA1167. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The Rudston Monolith and Church of All Saints

The monolith is an ancient scheduled monument and now a Grade I listed building. A feature in the landscape for over 2000 years

Kevin Waterhouse

The Rudston Monolith

The Rudston Monolith is a standing stone in the cemetery of All Saints Church in the village of Rudston, a few miles away from where we stayed in Harpham. It has been estimated to have been heaved into place and put upright sometime during the late Neolithic or early Bronze Age. At roughly 25 feet(7.6 m) tall, it’s considered to be the United Kingdom’s tallest megalith. A few minutes of detailed research on the web gives two possible sources for the stone – (i) glomerate Moorstone grit, from the Cleveland Hills, west of Whitby, possibly at Grosmont, over 40 miles away or (ii) grey sandstone or gritstone from the Cayton Bay area south of Scarborough10 miles away. Either way, as it may weigh up to 2 tons, it is pretty impressive. An excavation conducted by Sir William Strickland in the late 18th century suggested that its depth below ground is as great as its height. The stone most likely marked a prehistoric holy place or worship centre for the indigenous pagan religion, and that Anglo—Saxon missionaries followed the successful strategy of "Christianising" this already sacred object, possibly by fixing a cross to the top. This could account for the name 'Rudston' for the old English word for cross is 'rood' and stane means 'stone'.

Richard Rogerson

All Saints Church, Rudston

All saints is an early Norman church built around the year 1100 by William Peverel, lord of the manor. Of that Norman church, the tower remains.

Richard Rogerson

Houses on East Gate Rudston

Martin Dawes

Rudston Village Hall former Wesleyan Chapel built 1879

Martin Dawes

Rudston Monolith and side of All Saints Parish Church

Martin Dawes

All Saints Parish Church and Monolith Rudston

Norman with E. E. arcades, chancel arch 14th century. It had a major restoration in 1861 including heightening the tower. The monolith is to the right

Martin Dawes

The Rudston Monolith

To be found in the churchyard of All Saints, in Rudston. It is the tallest standing stone in the United Kingdom, dating back from the late Neolithic and Early Bronze Age Period. A 28ft slab of gritstone that had to be moved here for erection. Grade I Listed.

Chris Heaton

All Saints Church, Rudston

Grade I Listed Building dating back to Norman times, particularly visible in the tower. Major alterations and renovations were undertaken in the Victorian Era. Hidden from view, behind the church, is the Rudston Monolith - the tallest standing stone in the United Kingdom

Chris Heaton

How big am I? The tallest in England

Standing stone predates church and churchyard

Ewen Rennie

Junction of School Lane and High Street, Rudston

The High Street is the B1253.

Pauline E

War memorial, Rudston

The white cross stands beside the B1253 as you enter the village from the east. Viewed here from the churchyard.

Pauline E

The tallest standing stone in the UK

Thanks to the two gents who agreed to stand beside the stone to provide scale. The almost 26ft high monolith is made from Moor Grit Conglomerate as found in the Cleveland Hills inland of Whitby. It dates from the late Neolithic period. Link

Pauline E

Bench mark, church tower, Rudston

Can be found on the north wall of the tower. See location at TA0967 : Location of OS benchmark, Rudston

Pauline E

Location of OS benchmark, Rudston

Can be found on the north side of the church tower, in this picture, to the left of the downpipe. See detail at TA0967 : Bench mark, church tower, Rudston

Pauline E