A RARE and unaltered example of North Yorkshire's rich seafaring and church history will open to the public as part of the Churches Conservation Trust open days for 2002.

St Stephen Old Church, Fylingdales, is a stone's throw out of town on a hill above Robin Hood's Bay, where a church has stood since at least the 12th century.

The present building is principally 19th century in origin, and for a time was used as a mortuary chapel. It is currently maintained by the Churches Conservation Trust, which preserves churches of historic, architectural or archaeological interest no longer needed for regular worship.

It will open on Saturday, September 14, between 10am and 4pm as part of the 2002 CCT opens days.

St Stephen Old Church is atmospheric and, like a time capsule, is packed with original architectural and historical features that have remained untouched over the years.

Electricity has never been installed in the building, which is now used only for occasional services during the summer months.

The graveyard surrounding the church overflows with densely-packed gravestones, dating as far back as the 18th century, and most are exceptionally well preserved, despite centuries of exposure to the wind and rain. Many master mariners are interred here, reminiscent of an era when the area relied on seafaring rather than the tourist trade of today. Each stone tells a tale, and the violent and unpredictable nature of the seagoing life is a recurrent theme inside and out.

The stark interior of the church boasts several unusual features, including a display of "maidens' garlands", wreaths of ribbon carried as part of the funeral procession for any girl who died a virgin. The garlands were traditionally made by other maidens of the village, and comparable examples can be seen in only a dozen or so places in England.

The church also houses a "Scudamore" organ. Mike Pennock assured us that the organ is still in good working order, if rather exhausting to play.

There is an imposing triple pulpit, and the box pews give the church's interior a feeling of enclosure, and museum reconstructions of 19th century life, cobbled together from unrelated artefacts, do not come close to this living, breathing slice of history in Robin Hood's Bay.

St Stephen Old Church is an excellent site for amateur photographers wishing to capture an atmospheric picture or two.

St Stephen Old Church is 5 miles south-east of Whitby off the A171.

The church is open regularly on Saturdays until October between 2pm and 4pm and on some Sundays. Interior viewing of the church at other times is by arrangement with nearby key holders. Contact details are printed on the church door, or see www.visitchurches.org.uk for arrangements.

There are a dwindling number of custodians who look after the church. If you can help out, please contact either Mrs B Roberts on (01947) 880744, Mrs K Roden on (01947) 880593 or Mr and Mrs M Pennock on (01947) 880097.

Updated: 10:46 Wednesday, September 11, 2002