Our Story
A Church Born from Grief
In April 1870, Frederick Vyner — a young Englishman of 23 — was murdered by Greek brigands near Athens. His grieving mother, Lady Mary Vyner, took the uncollected ransom money and used it to build a memorial church on her North Yorkshire estate.
She commissioned William Burges, one of the great Victorian architects, who created what Professor James Stevens Curl called "perhaps his most perfect creation, and one that can bring the strongest of men to their knees."
1876
Year Completed
Grade I
Listed Building
150
Years of Heritage
Unique
Only Church of Its Name
What's On
Upcoming Events
From candlelit concerts to theatre and services — there is always something happening at Christ the Consoler.
Architecture & Heritage
A Victorian Masterpiece
Described by Pevsner as 'of determined originality', Christ the Consoler is one of the finest examples of Victorian ecclesiastical design in England.
The Architecture
Designed by William Burges in the Early English Gothic Revival style, the exterior is constructed of grey Catraig stone with Morcar stone mouldings. The interior is faced with white limestone of exceptional richness.
The Stained Glass
The windows are a tour de force of Victorian craftsmanship, featuring rich jewel-like colours that fill the interior with extraordinary light. Each window tells a story from scripture and from the life of Frederick Vyner.
The Organ
The church houses a remarkable Victorian pipe organ, currently the subject of a £250,000 restoration campaign. When restored, it will once again fill the church with the music it was built to carry.
Plan Your Visit
Come and See
Christ the Consoler is open to visitors and welcomes all who wish to experience its extraordinary beauty and peaceful atmosphere.
Address
Skelton-on-Ure, near Newby Hall, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 5AE
Opening Times
Open daily during daylight hours. Please check our events calendar for special openings and guided tours.
Nearby
Newby Hall & Gardens (adjacent), Ripon Cathedral (4 miles), Fountains Abbey (8 miles)
Pilgrim Church
Faith in the North
We are proud to support the Archbishop of York’s Faith in the North initiative as a Pilgrim Church, joining communities across the North of England in prayer, service, and mission to bring hope, renewal, and opportunity to our region.
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