Church of St Mary the Virgin

The Church of St Mary the Virgin is a Norman parish church in Hornby with a tower rising in three distinct stages and thick stone walls throughout. The building displays characteristic rounded arches and sturdy construction typical of its period.

The building was constructed around 1080 during the Norman period and received significant alterations in 1413 under John Conyers. Extensive restoration work took place in the late 1800s under the direction of the Duchess of Leeds.

The church functions as a place of worship and community gathering in Hornby, where visitors can observe how its Norman features have been integrated into everyday religious life. The solid stonework and rounded arches remain central to how people experience the space today.

The church is accessible on foot within the rural village setting of Hornby and welcomes visitors interested in medieval architecture. It is advisable to wear appropriate footwear and plan your visit in advance, as access may be limited depending on opening times.

The churchyard holds five burial plots registered with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, with four dedicated to victims of the 1944 Catterick Bridge Explosion. This solemn memorial reflects a significant tragedy from the local area during the Second World War.

Location: Hornby

Inception: 1080

Architectural style: Norman architecture

GPS coordinates: 54.33890,-1.65940

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:46