A church with a fascinating history, which can lay claim to being Britain’s first Victorian building, is opening its doors to the public as part of a special day of celebration.

Christ Church in Skipton is taking part in Yorkshire Churches Day, in which churches around the county are showcasing the amazing heritage to be found inside their buildings.

Yorkshire Churches Day is being held in conjunction with Heritage Open Days, England’s largest festival of culture and history, on Saturday, September 10.

Visitors to Christ Church are assured of a warm welcome and between 10am and 12 noon the resident organist, Professor Robert Marsh, will play the fine 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 over 180 years.

One of the most fascinating snippets in the history of the church happened when the foundation stone was laid in June 1837.

The assembled crowd were singing the National Anthem when news came through that King William lV had died, and that Queen Victoria had ascended the throne, and the last refrain was changed to “God save our gracious Queen”.

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.