Chiaroscuro, Birdforth

St. Mary's church, Birdforth, A19, North Yorkshire


The fabric of the church dates from the 12th century, with additions or alterations in the 16–17th, 18th and 19th centuries. The church was declared redundant on 1 November 1975, and was vested in the Churches Conservation Trust on 20 October 1978.
The church sits on the old A19 south of Thirsk with the new and diverted A19 running alongside. This in effect makes part of the old road a car park for the church (not that there is the demand anymore!)