A SKIPTON church which can lay claim to being 'Britain’s first Victorian building', is opening its doors to the public on Saturday (September 10) as part of a special day of celebration.

Christ Church is taking part in Yorkshire Churches Day, in which churches around the county are showcasing the heritage to be found inside their walls. It is being held in conjunction with Heritage Open Days, England’s largest festival of culture and history.

Visitors to the Cross Street church are assured of a warm welcome and between10am and 12 noon, resident organist, Professor Robert Marsh, will play the organ installed by Harrison and Harrison of Durham in 1905. There will also be a display of some church documents and photographs showing the life of the church for more than180 years.

In June, 1837, during the laying of the foundation stone, the assembled crowd was singing the National Anthem when the death of King William IV was announced. The last refrain of the National Anthem was immediately changed to 'God save our gracious Queen' to reflect the ascension of Queen Victoria.

Buried in the graveyard is Edwin Calvert, known as the “Commander in Chief”. He was less than 36 inches (92cm) tall and weighed 25 and a half pounds (12kg) and was described as the “smallest most perfect man in the world”. He died in 1859, aged 17.

Churchwarden Bill Carmichael said: “As the foundation stone was laid on the day Victoria became queen we have a good claim to be Britain’s first Victorian building.

“It is a lovely, airy building and its fascinating history coincides with the rapid expansion of Skipton during the 1800s and early years of the last century.”

Thousands of people are expected to come together on Yorkshire Churches Day to celebrate their heritage, community and history. Stories will be told, traditions explored and histories brought to life.

Christ Church can be found in Cross Street, a few minutes walk from the High Street and close to the bus and railway stations. There is plentiful parking in nearby Cavendish Street.

Entry is free, but contributions to the work of the church are welcome.