User:The joy of all things/subpage 18

The Church of St Andrew is an Anglican parish church in the village of Kildwick, North Yorkshire, England. A church has been in Kildwick since at least 950 AD, though the current structure dates back to the 12th century in its oldest parts. The church was historically known as the Lang Kirk of Craven as it is unusually long for a parish church.

History
There is archaeological evidence to prove that a house of worship existed within the area which is now Kildwick as far back as 950 AD. By the time of the Domesday Survey, Kildwick is one of only two places in the Deanery of Craven which is noted for having a church. The church building dates back to the 14th century, but the four west bays have 12th century origins. The blocks from the Saxon era were discovered in the walls during the renovations of 1901-1903.

At the west end of the nave is the tomb and effigy of Sir Robert Styveton (Sir Robert of Steeton), who was a Knight Templar. The Styveton's were an ennobled family of high military note who lived at Steeton.

The church possesses an unusual cope which is made from a Chinese royal garment.

Parish, benefice, and rectors
Historically, the church and parish was part of the old Deanery of Craven, but it is now in the Deanery of South Craven and Wharfedale, in the Diocese of Leeds and the Benefice of Kildwick, Cononley and Bradley.

In 2021, St Andrew's was designated as a major parish church. The criteria for this designation is that the church is open daily for worshippers or tourists, that it is a grade I or II* listed building, is exceptionally large for its community, and that it makes a "considerable civic, cultural, and economic contribution to their community." The designation also allows the churches designated as major parish churches to access further revenue streams for improvements.

Notable rectors at Kildwick include John Webster (USE ODNB CITE)

Listed status and graveyard
Besides the church itself which is grade I listed, there are five other structures within the church grounds, or associated with the church, and all are grade II listed:


 * Gates, overthrow and gate piers approximately 20 metres west of Church of St Andrew
 * South gates overthrow gatepiers [sic] and steps to Church of St Andrew
 * Stocks approximately 5 metres east of south gates to church
 * Sundial Shaft in Garden of Rememberance
 * Hearse House Approximately 20 Metres South East of Church of St Andrew

The whole church and churchyard lie within the Kildwick Conservation Area, which was approved in 1989. The graveyard contains a a burial plot with a stone-carved organ in the middle. This is to commemorate the Laycock family who were organ builders, their last involvement in the organ-building business was in 1970 as Laycock and Bannister.