St Andrew's Church, Upleatham, Cleveland
This peculiar-looking little church is often claimed to be the smallest church in England (even the world!). It's not... there is a smaller church at Bremilham in Wiltshire at 4m by 3.6m (Upleatham is about 6m by 4m).
Records show that St Andrew's was once larger than it is today and almost three times its present length with possibly an added transept extending from the present south wall.
Archaeological excavations have been undertaken, although due to restrictions imposed of not disturbing any graves, results, as to the full historic dimensions of earlier building work, have proved to be inconclusive.
It is a shame that on site there is no information whatsoever about the church, not even its name. In addition, the door is locked and no clues as to who holds the key or whether it is ever open. Having said that, you can just about see inside through some tiny vent holes in the door. It appears that the interior is empty apart from a couple of what looks like ancient stone grave covers. There is no seating, a bare stone floor, no altar or any other fittings you might expect to find in a place of worship. What is left of the church is so small as to render it impractical for any normal congregational church service.
St Andrew's Church, Upleatham, Cleveland
This peculiar-looking little church is often claimed to be the smallest church in England (even the world!). It's not... there is a smaller church at Bremilham in Wiltshire at 4m by 3.6m (Upleatham is about 6m by 4m).
Records show that St Andrew's was once larger than it is today and almost three times its present length with possibly an added transept extending from the present south wall.
Archaeological excavations have been undertaken, although due to restrictions imposed of not disturbing any graves, results, as to the full historic dimensions of earlier building work, have proved to be inconclusive.
It is a shame that on site there is no information whatsoever about the church, not even its name. In addition, the door is locked and no clues as to who holds the key or whether it is ever open. Having said that, you can just about see inside through some tiny vent holes in the door. It appears that the interior is empty apart from a couple of what looks like ancient stone grave covers. There is no seating, a bare stone floor, no altar or any other fittings you might expect to find in a place of worship. What is left of the church is so small as to render it impractical for any normal congregational church service.