Kirkby Malzeard & Laverton

St Andrew's Church

The following text has been copied from a leaflet produced by H Ellis Horton (Vicar), 14th July 1958.

A church has stood on the present site for at least eight centuries. The name ‘Kirkby’ indicates a Danish settlement, and it’s quite possible that a pre-Christian place of worship existed here. The earliest parts of the present church (dated about 1150) are the south wall with it’s richly ornamental doorway, and the south jamb of the chancel arch, the nook shaft of which is seen behind the pulpit.
This building consisted of a nave, probably with an apsidal chancel and a bell cote at the west end.
An addition was made about 1200, when a north aisle was added, which is divided from the nave and chancel by a fine arcade of eight bays. An unusual feature is seen in the fact that the third column from the east end bears the chancel arch as well as the arches east and west of it in the arcade. This aisle was lighted by windows in the Early English style, four of which remain – two large lancets at the east end, and smaller lancets at the west end and in the north wall.
Church in 1878

Church interior before the fire.
In the 15th century great additions were made. The western tower was built, also the south porch, the chancel was extended, and a vestry with priests’ chamber above added. In the 18th century galleries were erected at the west end and in the aisle which were removed at the restoration in 1878-80. In the vestry are some photographs of the church as it appeared before this. On February 8th 1908, a disastrous fire broke out and much damage was done. A scheme of restoration was carried out under the direction of Mr J. Oldrid Scott, and it is generally agreed that it has proved most successful. Kirkby Church is sometimes called ‘ The Cathedral of the Moors’.
Among other features of interest may be noted: the collection of old stained glass in the vestry window, most of which is of late 14th century date, the piscina in the south wall, the low side window, the Mann brass under the tower, also various gifts to the church in recent times. The tower screen is a memorial to 2nd Lt. Richard Moore, and the others were erected by subscription in 1923. The Lady Chapel was furnished by Lady Moore in memory of her three children, from designs by Mr C.M. Oldrid Scott, executed by Thompson of Kilburn and was dedicated in 1938.
Outside the church may be noted: the sun dial (date 1697) over the gable of the porch, and the Norman incised sun-dial over the arch and below the gable; the base mould of the tower with it’s sculpture; the ancient churchyard cross, and the modern war memorial cross. There are several quaint inscriptions on tombstones in the churchyard and to the north-east of the vestry is a recumbent ridge stone which has been called the ‘Witch’s Grave’.
The benefice is a Vicarage in the gift of the Vicar of Masham, and the lay Rectors are the Master and Fellows of Trinity College, Cambridge. For centuries, Kirkby Malzeard and Masham were united under one vicar, the huge parish forming the Peculiar of Masham. Several parishes were carved out of the peculiar during the last century, and in 1922 the parish of Kirkby Malzeard was separated from Masham by order in Council and by the same Order, was joined to its own daughter parish of Dallowgill.

External Images of St Andrew’s Church

Repairing the Church after the 1908 fire.

Internal Images of St Andrew’s Church