Gillamoor
OS grid reference:- SE 683 900
The attractive and tranquil village of Gillamoor is located around two and a half miles from the town of Kirkbymoorside on the edge of the beautiful North York Moors National Park. Gillamoor is pleasantly located on the summit of a flat toppped tabular hill. Sheep are regularly herded through the unspoilt village.
The small village church of St. Aidan (pictured left) was rebuilt single-handedly in 1802 by local stonemason James Smith of Farndale using stone from the dismantled medieval church in Bransdale.
A church has occupied the site since as far back as the twelfth century. The present church consists of a simple rectangular structure with a nave and chancel and a porch at the western end of the south wall and an attractive bellcote at the western end of the building. The rough hewn font possibly dates to the Norman era and the seventeenth communion table, communion rails and wooden screens at the rear of the church came from the mother-church in nearby Kirkbymoorside. At the side of the church is an old sunken lane which leads to a site which a medieval mill once occupied. The mill was referred to in a charter of King John of 1206. It ceased to operate in late Victorian times.
Just to the left of St Aidan's church is Gillamoor's justly famous panoramic 'Surprise View'. The Church stands right on the edge of a steep escarpment, dropping sharply for 150 feet to the River Dove below and the entrance to Farndale. The church wall plaque reads:-
'Thou, who hast given me eyes to see and love this sight so fair, give me a heart to find out thee, and read thee everywhere.'
The War Memorial stands on the small but pretty triangular village green. An unusual, complex, four-faced sundial (pictured left) surmounted by a finely carved stone globe, a Grade II listed structure, stands by the roadside in the centre of Gillamoor. It was erected August 27th 1800 by John Russell by public subscription.
The stone built village pub, the Royal Oak Inn (pictured above right) dates back to the mid-seventeenth century and is a Grade II listed building. It was formerly roofed in thatch which was replaced by the present red tiles which are traditional in this area. The inn retains many attractive period features, boasting open log fires and oak beamed ceilings. The Royal Oak serves cask ales and excellent cuisine, which is all cooked fresh to order. High standard accommodation is also provided.
The village also has a school and a small Methodist church which dates to 1867.