Founded by early saints, Lastingham has been a place of prayer, peace, hospitality and Christian mission for well over 1000 years. This beautiful ancient church of St Mary is particularly famous for its unique crypt, which was built on the site of the AD 654 monastery, and is where St Cedd is believed to be buried. You can find out more about our history in Our History.

Under normal circumstances the church would be open during daylight hours every day. We are pleased to say that from May 17th St Mary's will be open to visitors, Mondays to Fridays from 11am to 5pm. We ask our visitors to abide by the instruction on the 'A'frame notice in the church porch.  We are sorry that the Crypt will have to remain closed to the public for the time being, due to the lack of ventilation.

We are delighted to be able to open again for our Sunday services. Sunday Eucharist will be held each Sunday at 10.45am here in Lastingham. The second Sunday in the month is a joint  Benefice Service held in one of our churches. Check the Calendar to find details for these services. 

As you come to this beautiful part of North Yorkshire, we hope that you are still able to share with us the joyous sense of peace and God's love that can be found in the heritage of centuries of Christianity in Lastingham.

We look forward to being able to welcome you back to our church now that the Covid-19 restrictions have been eased.