The earliest known church at “Rilleston” was circa 1160-70 and was probably a wooden structure. The present church was built in 1851 and consecrated by the Bishop of Ripon in 1853, possibly the fourth church to be built on this site serving the villages of Bordley, Cracoe, Hetton and Rylstone.

Rylstone church and former chapel was originally within the Parish of Burnsall. Rylstone was not a Chapel of Ease, but a Chapel, one of two medieties, the other being Burnsall.

At that particular time there were two Rectors of Burnsall, one of whom was appointed to the mediety of Rylstone. It is understood this was a rare situation almost unknown in Canon Law.

For more information please visit The Rylstone Project