Holy Trinity Church at Sykehouse

Although there is some evidence of a chapel having existed at the end of the 12th century, the earliest definite reference is of a licence dated the 20th December 1425, granted to Edmund Fitzwilliam for a chapel to celebrate divine offices. This was probably little more than a room in his own house to which his neighbours were invited to go.

In 1433 the Prior and Convent of Durham (the patrons of Fishlake) granted permission for the inhabitants of Sykehouse to build their own chapel and pay for the minister. This new chapel was called the Chapel of the Holy Trinity. Following the Reformation the chapel fell into total neglect but was rebuilt in 1616. From that time the incumbent was appointed by the Vicar of Fishlake.

At the beginning of the 18th century the chapel collapsed under the weight of its stone roof. However, repairs were undertaken and these included the construction of a brick tower in 1724.

Under the drive and direction of the Revd Canon George Ormsby, Vicar of Fishlake from 1850 to 1886, the present church was built, together with a new vicarage and

school. The church is in the style of the 13th century and retains the tower of 1724. A new belfry and slated spire were added.

The church also retains a portion of medieval glass in the south wall near to the pulpit, together with its medieval font.