About Kirkby
Our location
The Parish of Kirkby-
The village of Kirkby has grown at the meeting of roads linking a chain of villages at the foot of the North York Moors where the northern limb runs to Stokesley and the southern becomes a green road climbing on to the moors, leading travellers to Bilsdale, the abbey of Rievaulx and the market town of Helmsley.
The crossroads lie only a hundred yards from the highest point in the surrounding country side which was chosen as the original site of the Anglo-Saxon church. The agricultural origins of the settlement that grew at this advantageous location are still evident in the surrounding fields and architecture of the area.
Our origin story
A Blacksmith’s shop at the crossroads spawned a hostelry for the refreshment of customers. The Black Swan public house occupies the same site extending into the former Blacksmith’s premises.
As an urban area of Teesside, 10 miles to the north, Kirkby proved a popular rural destination to reside which shares similarities with many other settlements across the moors.
Accordingly, the village reflects a mix of traditional and modern styles. Thus far, development has been restricted to the sides of the 4 roads so that the open countryside is visible and accessible in any direction.
Planning
Kirkby is a secondary village where further development is restricted to proposals which clearly support a local need and contribute to the sustainability of the local community.
Community
Kirkby shares many facilities with its larger neighbour Great Broughton: the Church, primary school, sports club and many local groups bear the names of both villages.
