The first church in Bilsdale was built by William L’Espec in about 1122.  The inscription in the porch which was found during renovations in 1813 translates as “Lord William builds this church in honour of the chaste virgin St Hilda”

The present church was designed by Charles Barry the Younger and Robert Banks.  It was completed in 1851.

Bilsdale Priory is part of the United Benefice with Ingleby Greenhow, Kildale and Kirkby-in-Cleveland

Church services are as follows:

  • 1st Sunday of each month, Holy Communion at 3pm
  • 3rd Sunday in some months, Evensong taken by the congregation at 3pm
  • 4th Sunday of each month, United Benefice Service rotated in each of the 4 Churches at 10am. The Bilsdale United Benefice service at St Hilda’s is on the 4th Sunday in May, July and October.

There are also special services for Easter, Harvest, Remembrance, Christmas and occasionally Pet services or Toy services

Vicar – Rev Dr Anne Heading 01642 710045  anneheading8@gmail.com

Churchwarden – Carol McGee 01642 778217 kcstoney@sky.com

Authorised Lay Minister – Carol McGee

Parish Safeguarding Officer – Carol McGee

Secretary – Carol McGee

Treasurer – Jill Cunningham. 01642 778250

St Hilda’s safeguarding policy can be found if you click here and here.

If you are interested in hiring the St Hilda’s church together with Chop Gate village hall for a wedding or funeral more information can be found at www.chopgatevillagehall.org.uk

A stone church with a tall bell tower stands surrounded by green trees. Tombstones are scattered across the grassy foreground, and a stone path leads to the church entrance. The sky is clear and blue.