St Mary's Priory Church Old Malton
A historic Gilbertine Priory church in North Yorkshire, featuring medieval misericords and impressive architecture.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
St Mary's Priory Church Old Malton
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic Gilbertine Priory church in North Yorkshire, featuring medieval misericords and impressive architecture.
"A moment of stillness with fascinating history and beautiful architecture."
🎯 Check Opening Hours
Verify current opening times directly, as online info can be outdated. :informationdeskperson:
🚶♀️ Explore the Grounds
Enjoy walks along the riverbank and surrounding areas. Dog-friendly car park nearby. :dog:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Misericords
Interior
Discover the intricate 15th-century misericords, a testament to medieval craftsmanship.
Transitional West Front
Exterior
Admire the superb Transitional west front, a crowning glory of the priory's architecture.
Remnants of Monastic Life
Exterior
Explore the grounds and exterior for clues of its past as a once-massive Gilbertine Priory.
Stained Glass Windows
Interior
Appreciate the lovely stained glass, adding color and light to the historic interior.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Opening Hours
Verify current opening times directly, as online info can be outdated. :informationdeskperson:
🚶♀️ Explore the Grounds
Enjoy walks along the riverbank and surrounding areas. Dog-friendly car park nearby. :dog:
📸 Capture the Architecture
The priory offers great opportunities for architectural photography, especially the west front.
🙏 Quiet Reflection
Take a moment for prayer or reflection; staff are lovely and helpful. :pray:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Opening Hours
Verify current opening times directly, as online info can be outdated. :informationdeskperson:
🚶♀️ Explore the Grounds
Enjoy walks along the riverbank and surrounding areas. Dog-friendly car park nearby. :dog:
📸 Capture the Architecture
The priory offers great opportunities for architectural photography, especially the west front.
🙏 Quiet Reflection
Take a moment for prayer or reflection; staff are lovely and helpful. :pray:
🖼️ Admire the Misericords
Don't miss the detailed medieval misericords inside the church.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
St. Mary's Priory Church is appreciated for its well-maintained grounds and interesting historical features like its misericords and architecture. Visitors often find it a peaceful place for reflection, with helpful staff. However, some reviews highlight issues with unclear policies regarding collections during funerals, leading to negative experiences for some families.
"Once a major centre of worship now much reduced. Well maintained by local staff and some interesting features."
Neil MacLachlan
"The opening hours of this church are incorrect.
The church is open 10am to 4pm daily. Whoever posted the previous times obviously never visited it to check."
Helen Hyams
"Disappointingly the family were not told of the Church policy of taking 50% of collection monies during a funeral. In fact the organiser of the funeral was only informed of this policy when her much loved father in law had arrived in his coffin outside the Church door. The staff were rude, insensitive and unwelcoming. The CofE Synod minutes state that families should be told of such practice BEFORE the day of the funeral. Also the Synod states guidelines of UP TO 50%. As a committed Christian I was horrified by being associated with the Church. Although this debacle has enabled me to say that I am a committed Christian and am certainly NOT religious. If such collections have to take place (even though the Church had been paid thru Dad's co-op policy), then I suggest a Biblical 10%. I have to ask, why does this Church see fit to obtain monies during such an emotional time as a funeral & why should it be done in such a devious manner? I don't know how much was collected - I wasn't even able to write to the Alzheimer Charity with our 'half' of the monies - the Treasurer does that. I live out my faith under the premise "What would Jesus do?". Jesus addressed those who took money in the name of religion & turfed them out the Temple. Enough said."
jonathon jarvis
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
St. Mary's Priory Church is located on the edge of Malton, North Yorkshire. It's accessible by car, with parking available nearby, including a dog-walking car park situated about 100 yards down the riverbank. Public transport options to Malton can be explored, followed by a short taxi or walk to the priory.
Yes, there are usually places to park near the church. A convenient free dog-walking car park is located about 100 yards down the riverbank, offering easy access to the priory grounds.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
St. Mary's Priory Church is generally open to visitors, and typically does not require tickets for entry. However, it is an active place of worship, so it's advisable to check their specific opening hours before your visit.
The church is usually open daily from 10 am to 4 pm. It's recommended to confirm these hours directly, as some past information has been inaccurate.
The grounds of St. Mary's Priory Church are generally fully accessible and open day or night for those who wish to explore.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Key attractions include the intricate 15th-century misericords, the impressive Transitional west front, beautiful stained glass windows, and the remnants of its monastic past.
Photography is generally permitted inside the church, allowing you to capture its beautiful architecture and details like the stained glass and misericords.
Yes, the priory has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1150 as a Gilbertine Priory. Information about its architectural evolution and historical significance is often available.
Many visitors find St. Mary's Priory Church to be a peaceful place for quiet reflection, prayer, or remembering loved ones. The staff are noted as being lovely and helpful.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Malton is a historic market town known for its food scene, offering various cafes, pubs, and restaurants. You can find dining options within walking distance or a short drive from the priory.
📸 📸 Photography
The Transitional west front is a highlight for exterior shots. Inside, the stained glass windows and the detailed misericords offer excellent photographic opportunities.
Absolutely. The priory's ancient architecture and the remnants of its monastic past provide a rich backdrop for historical photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts
+3 The remnants of the original priory offer tangible links to medieval England, making it a rich site for study and appreciation. +1🐶 Dog Owners
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Monastic History
+1 While much of the original monastic complex has been lost to time, the present-day parish church is all that remains, offering a poignant glimpse into its grand past. Exploring the exterior can reveal clues to its earliest forms, such as blocked-up arcades, hinting at the scale of the original structure. The Gilbertine Order was unique in England, being the only monastic order founded in the country.
The priory was built from east to west, meaning the west front was one of the last parts to be constructed, showcasing a later architectural style. The priory's history is intertwined with local lords and significant events, adding layers of historical intrigue for visitors. Today, the church is maintained by local staff and volunteers, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
Architectural Marvels: Misericords and West Front
The church also boasts additional misericords added during a later reconstruction in 1880 by Temple Moore. The Transitional west front is another architectural highlight, considered the crowning glory of the priory.
This section of the church showcases a blend of architectural styles, reflecting the period of its construction. Visitors can also admire the stained glass windows, which add vibrant color and light to the interior, enhancing the spiritual and aesthetic experience. These architectural elements, from the detailed carvings to the grand facades and luminous glass, make St. Mary's Priory Church a compelling destination for those interested in ecclesiastical architecture and medieval art.
+2
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