Between Saltburn and Guisborough lies a tiny village many people pass without stopping to explore.
With quiet roads, traditional homes and woodland on its doorstep, Upleatham can easily go unnoticed.
But look a little closer and this peaceful corner of North Yorkshire reveals a story shaped by ancient settlers, ironstone mining and a remarkable church once believed to be the smallest in England.
Upleatham's countryside views. (Image: Google Maps)
Near New Marske and a short drive from the coast, Upleatham feels far removed from the busy towns and tourist spots like Guisborough and Saltburn nearby.
Upleatham’s roots stretch back centuries, with the village recorded in the Domesday Book. Its name is thought to come from Old English and Old Norse words meaning “upper slope”, reflecting its position farther up the hillside than Kirkleatham.
Today, Upleatham is little more than a handful of homes surrounded by open countryside.
It also sits beside Errington Woods, making it a natural starting point for anyone wanting to explore the paths and woodland nearby.
But one of Upleatham’s most intriguing sights is hidden among the trees beside the B1268.
The Old Church of St Andrew is easy to miss from the road, but the tiny building has stood there for centuries.
Thought to date from the 12th century, the church measures about six metres by four and seats roughly 30 people.
Old Church of St Andrew, Upleatham (Image: Google Maps)
It was once described as England’s smallest parish church, but a church in Wiltshire is now thought to be slightly smaller.
Even without the title, St Andrew’s remains one of the region’s most unusual historic buildings.
The Grade II-listed church is known for its Norman architecture and secluded rural setting. Inside is a 14th-century stone effigy of a knight, while the base of an Anglo-Danish cross was uncovered during repair work.
It was also once linked to Gisborough Priory after land was donated by the Brus family, whose wider family line included Robert the Bruce.
Outside, weathered headstones, old stone walls and the mysterious Lowther Vault suggest Upleatham may have even more secrets to reveal in years to come.
Upleatham (Image: Google Maps)
Like many East Cleveland communities, Upleatham was transformed by ironstone mining in the 19th century.
Upleatham Mine began working in 1851 and operated for more than 70 years, employing around 500 men and boys and bringing major change to the village, with the population soaring from 204 in 1841 to 1,007 in 1861.
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The Earl of Zetland allowed ironstone to be extracted beneath the village on the condition that the area around the church was left untouched.
That decision helped preserve the small group of buildings which now forms the heart of Upleatham’s conservation area.
At first glance, Upleatham may appear to be little more than a handful of homes hidden in the Teesside countryside - but this small village has centuries of history waiting to be uncovered by anyone willing to take their time and look a little closer.