England & Wales Hardwicke Marriage Index
Marriages 1754 - 1837
Sessay St Cuthbert

The Parish

The parish of Sessay lies in the northern portion of central Yorkshire toward the southern border of the North Riding and around 6 miles southeast of the market town of Thirsk. Sessay sits just under 2 miles west of the A19 road which links Thirsk with York. Sessay is two distinct communities, Sessay, itself, is a long straggle of a village built along either side of north to south running lane with a sub-settlement of Little Sessay at its southern end around the parish church, Hutton Sessay stands closer to the A19 by over a mile and is a compact settlement around a "T" junction of lanes. Sessay sits within the flood plain of the River Swale, an area of alternating sands and clays with farming matching each change, the sandier areas being arable those with clay are pastures. Modern developments have come to Sessay, the East Coast Main Railway line from London to Edinburgh carving through to its west. Despite the presence of the Swale to the west Sessay is drained eastwards by the Birdforth Beck, this beck merges with several others on its journey before eventually meeting the River Rye, the easterly course is maintained until the Derwent is met north of Old Malton, here an abrupt about turn sends water back west and south to merge with the other Dales rivers in passage to the North Sea through the Humber Estuary. Sessay is sited at around 30 metres above the sea to its east a low ridge rises to around 63 metres just beyond the A19, the highest ground for some distance. Like many northern parishes Sessay was relatively extensive covering around 3,000 acres which supported a population of about 450 parishioners. In Domesday times Sessay, held by the Bishop of Durham, was a relatively small settlement offering just 3 ploughs as its assets.

The Church

As already mentioned St Cuthbert's church sits in the sub-settlement of Little Sessay detached by a quarter mile from the main village to the south. Sadly the earlier medieval church which saw these marriages was demolished, today's St Cuthbert being a Victorian replacement of 1848. The church is a typical nave and chancel design with a southern porch and prominent southern aisle. The church's standout feature is, however, its western tower capped by its shingled broach spire, a landmark hereabouts and notable even from travellers passing on the rail line. A Decorated styling of the early 14th century is used for the church's theme and convincingly styled  tracery of that era graces the windows. Outside the churchyard, which has a contemporary lychgate for entry, a broad triangular parking area allows a relaxed visit. The churchyard has few obstacles to give the photographer angles of choice.