St Mary's Church, Cloughton with Burniston

A letter from the Vicar - 26 September 2025

Dear Friends, 

It is a privilege to serve these villages of Burniston and Cloughton as Vicar. Since coming here four years ago, Pam and I have not had a dull moment. We used to live on the edge of York, and I can honestly say there is as much going on in Scarborough and in these villages than there ever was in York. The parish church of St Mary's, Cloughton with Burniston has a packed year of events as well as special services all of which helps us build a lovely sense of community and hospitality. Since our move here, we have come to know so many lovely people. Who would want to live anywhere else! Added to that we are surrounded by some amazing views that shows England at its best.

I recently obtained an old guidebook of 1832 which describes the Scarborough of the day including some of the surrounding villages. There is a reference of Cloughton, in the days before cars and heavy traffic. Wow! The only thing was the people of Cloughton were having problems with their church. Here is what the old guide says: 'The roof of the small chapel of ease here, in November last, fell in, and the building altogether being in an unstable state, it was necessary to rebuild the sacred edifice; accordingly in January 1832, the Rev C.A. Thurlow, laid the first stone of a new and larger edifice.' The result was the church we see today. Thank you to our forebears who at the time had the vision to make it possible to rebuild the church. It is this same church that we want to preserve for those who will follow us. As we receive no funding from the Church of England or government, it is the generosity of the local people that allows us to keep going. It would be great if you can help.

With every blessing for and those you love, 

Chris