Pontefract in West Yorkshire, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)

Kirkebi Anglo Saxon Church

Photographed by Ray Gurganus, April 16, 2025

1. Kirkebi Anglo Saxon Church Marker

Inscription. Archaeological excavations in 1985-6 uncovered several layers of Christian burials and the footprint of the church you see before you.

This is the artist's impression of the Anglo-Saxon Church of Kirkebi mentioned in the Domesday book which sits within the Villa Regia (Royal Manor) of Taddenessclyf.

The domesday Book names a priest for Taddenessclyf or Tateshalia.

It was here in 947 AD that King Eadred accepted the allegiance of the Northumbrians and Archbishop Wulfstan of York. It may also have been a base of Eadred's campaigns against the Viking, Eric Bloodaxe in 948 AD.

The chancel was the earliest part of the building, the nave was added at a later date; straight/abutted joints are visible. The earliest burials are dated to approximately 700 AD.

This simple two-cell plan (below) is typical of a church of the 8th to 10th centuries. The artist's impression (left) shows how it may have looked.

Erected by Wakefield Council.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures.

Location. 53° 41.757′ N, 1° 18.131′ W.

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Marker is in Pontefract, England, in West Yorkshire. It is at the intersection of The Booths and North Baileygate, on the right when traveling south on The Booths. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 13 The Booths, Pontefract, England WF8 2JF, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in England’s Yorkshire & The Humber.

Globally, it is on the Atlantic Ocean,

in the North Atlantic Region,

in Europe,

in Atlantic Europe,

on one of the British Isles,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Off with their heads! (within shouting distance of this marker); All Saints (within shouting distance of this marker); The Key to the North (within shouting distance of this marker); Medieval toilets, drains and mines (within shouting distance of this marker); All Saint's Church, Pontefract (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); A Secure Store (about 90 meters away); Pretty (hot) in pink (about 120 meters away);

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Heard the one about the Trojan Bed? (about 120 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pontefract.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 28, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 26, 2025, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 225 times since then and 50 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on June 26, 2025, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. photo of the marker within its surroundings • Can you help?