Historic Buildings

All Saints for All People

All Saints has a rich heritage which comprises impressive Norman, Medieval and Victorian architecture, and exceptional Edwardian wall paintings. The church sits at the heart of the market town of Helmsley, in the North York Moors National Park. All Saints faces two significant challenges: First, the deteriorating state of the roof and wall paintings is starting to place the building’s heritage at risk. Second, All Saints fails to fully engage people with the church and its heritage. Visitors, though awe-struck by what they see, spend very little time inside. Many tourists and residents do not visit at all. People in communities outside the town (in particular, children, young people and adults facing challenging circumstances) do not think the church has anything to interest, or benefit, them. 'All Saints for All People' presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to remedy these problems, and set the building on a long-term sustainable footing. Two new Heritage Activity Officers will, in exciting partnerships with the National Park, schools, support services and cultural organisations, deliver bespoke initiatives, interpretation, and activities, using All Saints’ rich heritage to encourage more (and longer) visits, increase appreciation of the building, widely share its stories, provide education and cultural programmes, support skills training, and extend the reach of All Saints beyond Helmsley. Conservation of the unique Edwardian wall paintings, urgent repairs to roofs and historic stonework, and the adoption of sustainable and net zero activities will benefit the Grade II* church, the conservation area, and the National Park. The project will culminate in a celebration of the church’s 900th anniversary in 2029, marking the beginning of an exciting future for All Saints. The project’s legacy will be a vibrant place of worship and heritage, which can serve its community for centuries to come.