The Headland Churches History

The Headland Benefice has five churches. Each has its own unique and fascinating history. 

Most of what we now call Yorkshire was part of ancient Kingdom of Northumbria under the rule of King Harold. Like many early rulers, King Harold was keen to embrace anything which would raise his profile with his subjects. He became a Christian but continued to follow certain Druidic practices. As we all know, King Harold's reign came to an abrupt end during the Battle of Hastings. 

Christianity began to rise in popularity and pilgrims from Northumbria travelled southwards. Several chapels were established in the villages of what is now East Yorkshire and the Flamborough Headland. Using whatever resources and sites were available, these churches and chapels were used for daily prayer, for services for the deceased or for happier occasions. These churches were often paid for by local land owners. It was common for the priest to live far away from the church where he ministered. Day to day services would be held by laity.  

On a small hill overlooking the village of Speeton, there was most probably an earlier Saxon chapel. The small church of St Leonard was built on the same site, sometime before 1100. This delightful church retains many original features. 

Fishing has always played a role in the life of the villagers of Flamborough. Its location, at the easternmost end of the Headland, made it an ideal home for the early Viking settlers. There is evidence of a church, dedicated to St Oswald, in the centre of the village, dating from 1150. This was a small chapel, which was soon extended with the addition of south and north aisles. 

In the village of Reighton, the church of St Peter has parts which date from no later than 1170. Again, it is likely that this church was built on the site of a much earlier chapel. The present building has been extended several times as the village, and the congregation, grew. 

Bempton had a Saxon chapel at the centre of the village, although the dates are uncertain. The earliest mention of a church dedicated to St Michael is from sometime before 1200. As the village grew, so did the church. South and north aisles were added to accommodate the congregation. 

There is some evidence to suggest that other churches were built around the area but, for various reasons, they closed as time passed. Between 1536 and 1541, King Henry VIII ordered the Dissolution of the Monasteries. This decree resulted in a wholesale removal of the assets from English churches. Many churches, large and small, did not survive. 

Christianity continued to play a role in the lives of the population of the Headland villages. Like many places in the country, the village church itself became "iconic" and brought many people together. The feeling of community is a natural human emotion, and the village church is a symbol of that need.  

During the Victorian era, there was a drive by local land owners to campaign for better conditions for the people who lived and worked the land. Yarburgh Graeme, a descendant of the Graeme family of York, made many alterations and additions to Sewerby Hall and the estate. Including the Parish church, dedicated to St John the Evangelist, which serves the villagers of Sewerby.  

To find out more about the history of the Headland churches, click on the links below:

St Leonard's, Speeton
St Oswald's, Flamborough
St Peter's, Reighton
St Michael's, Bempton
St John's, Sewerby
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