Middleton Tyas is situated on the east side of the A1, less than a mile from the well known Scotch Corner.  The name Middleton is of Anglo-Saxon origin and it means middle-farm or middle-settlement. Tyas is a Norman family name but there seems to be no evidence that Middleton Tyas once belonged to a family of that name. The Church of St Michael and All Angels (which is a Grade 1 listed building) lies just outside the village along a fine avenue of lime trees off the road towards Moulton. It has been suggested that a building existed here in the twelfth century and that there was a close association with St Mary’s Abbey in York. It is therefore an ancient structure, with Norman arches and pillars on the north side, and Early English on the south with the list of incumbents dating from 1280.  There are a number of interesting architectural features including the north and south isles being divided from the nave by very different arches, a thirteenth century window in the Chancel, a priest’s door, a late seventeenth or early eighteenth century communion table. The Church was restored and renovated between 1867-79 under the direction of Sir George Gilbert Scott who also designed the Albert Memorial in Hyde Park.  He was particularly responsible for alterations to the Chancel and Vestry. A base for a field cross had lain in a field along the avenue for many years (now marked by a plaque) and recently a cross was added and both items have been located in the new Burial Ground which was donated to the Church by a local family. The parish of Middleton Tyas includes the village of Moulton with which is shares its Parochial Church Council together with outlying farmsteads, in all, over 6000 acres. The Church has close links with Middleton Tyas C of E Primary School who hold four services a year at the Church and who also run a thriving “St. Michaels Club”. There are active social activities to support fund raising for the Church together with enthusiastic villagers who ensure our Church is well maintained and open to welcome visitors.  The Parish Church of St Michael and All Angels Sunday Services 1st Sunday of the Month: 0930 Holy Communion 2nd Sunday of the Month: 0930 Morning Prayer 3rd Sunday of the Month: 0930 Holy Communion 4th Sunday of the Month: 0930 Morning Prayer Contacts: Revd David Lewis     The Rectory, Great Smeaton 01609 881205 davidlewis648@btinternet.com