Saint Michael's Lodge Project
A new future for a historic church
The Saint Aelred’s Pilgrim Trail Society is developing plans to give the historic Church of Saint Michael at Cold Kirby a sustainable new future.
The proposed project would transform the closed church into Saint Michael’s Lodge, a low-cost hostel providing affordable accommodation and welcome for pilgrims, walkers, horse riders and visitors to the North York Moors.
Recently listed Grade II by Historic England, Saint Michael’s stands on both the Saint Aelred’s Pilgrim Trail and the Cleveland Way National Trail, just over a mile from the North York Moors National Park’s Sutton Bank Centre.
Developing the project
The Society has received a £122,760 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to develop the project.
The funding will enable us to undertake the specialist work needed to explore how Saint Michael’s can be conserved and adapted for its proposed new use. This includes conservation, design, access, planning and environmental work, alongside developing a sustainable business and operational model for the Lodge.
Revd Ian Robinson, Project Lead for Saint Michael’s Lodge, said:
“We are delighted that The National Lottery Heritage Fund has recognised the potential of our vision for Saint Michael’s. Thanks to National Lottery players, this £122,760 award enables us to take the next important steps towards giving this historic church a sustainable future.
“Our hope is to create Saint Michael’s Lodge as a place of welcome and affordable accommodation for pilgrims, walkers, riders and visitors to the North York Moors. It would give this closed church an opportunity to serve people once again, while protecting and celebrating its heritage for future generations.”
Shaping the plans together
An important part of this development phase will be consultation with residents of Cold Kirby and other interested parties. Local people and other stakeholders will have opportunities to understand the emerging plans, share their views and help shape the proposals as they develop.
Helen Featherstone, Director of England – North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said:
“Saint Michael's Church is an important part of the North York Moors' heritage and has the potential to continue serving people in new and meaningful ways. Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, this project will help explore how this historic building can be conserved and adapted to create a welcoming place for pilgrims, walkers, riders and visitors, while safeguarding its heritage for future generations.”
A place of welcome on the Trail
Saint Michael’s Lodge forms part of the developing vision for the Saint Aelred’s Pilgrim Trail, connecting nine historic churches and Rievaulx Abbey through distinct walking, horse-riding and cycling routes.
The proposed Lodge would provide affordable accommodation within that network while also serving people visiting the North York Moors for walking, cycling, horse riding, heritage and recreation.
Help us take the next step
Alongside the development work, we need to prepare for what comes next.
We need to raise £40,000 towards the next phase of Saint Michael’s Lodge.
By supporting our Crowdfunder, you can help us build the partnership funding needed to move the project forward and give this historic church a sustainable new future.​​​
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Saint Michael’s Lodge is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we are able to develop plans to give the historic Church of Saint Michael at Cold Kirby a sustainable new future.
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