History

St Cuthbert’s

Based in the heart of Kirkleatham village, St Cuthbert’s is one of the oldest and most beautiful churches around and one of the best examples of Georgian architecture. Built in 1763, it it situated in a village with lots of interesting history. Sir William Turner resided in Kirkleatham and the village is full of listed buildings such as the stables, with a Grade I listed lion gate piers from 1700 and a Grade II* toasting gate from 1780. St Cuthbert’s is a Grade I listed building and was built on the site of a church thought to have dated from 800AD on ground used as a resting place where monks carried and placed the body of St Cuthbert before going on to Durham, his final resting place. The Mausoleum, attached to the earlier church, dates back to 1740, built by James Gibbs – one of Britain’s most influential architects. Kirkleatham Museum opened in 1981, dating back to 1709 when it was formally a free school.

St Hilda’s

In the early 1960’s it was suggested that a new church should be built in the centre of the West Redcar Community.  After a number of years in which an increasing group of worshippers met in houses, a clinic and schools, the foundation stone for a new church was laid on 27th September 1969.In July 1970 the first service was conducted in the new building dedicated to St Hilda.  Throughout that time, worship has taken place in this unique building, with the adjoining Parish Hall being used for many parish social activities and community events. Locally, St Hilda’s was well known as the ‘round church’ due to its circular design. Due to major structural issues, the old St Hilda’s was demolished in late 2017. A new church began construction in February 2020. For more information, please see our new building page.