Kirk Hammerton Tourist Information

Kirk Hammerton is mentioned in the Domesday Book under its then name of Altera Hanbretone which means village on a hill. In fact, our beautiful Saxon church is the only building currently on a hill which was probably formed as a glacial moraine, although it may have been an ancient burial ground. A Roman road, Rudgate, passes by the village and there is evidence of Danish involvement here.

The village boasts a fine primary school, a football field with pavilion, a separate cricket ground and two railway stations on the York to Harrogate line. It is a beautiful and quiet village with an abundance of trees and open spaces, surrounded by farms. It is worth a visit to enjoy its beauty and tranquility and perhaps enjoy a short walk down Mill Lane to the River Nidd, passing the mill and continuing along the river bank.

A babbling brook runs through the centre of the village passing in front of Kirk Hammerton Hall on its way to the nearby Nidd. Between the Hall and the church is a grassed area with seating to take advantage of the shade provided by the old beech tree. This area is also adjacent to the Village Hall a delightful building provided by the squire in 1897 as a club for men and boys.

Description by Bernard Gascoyne