AFTER the monumental scale of the Minster, it must have been refreshing to tackle something on a more human scale. But the stonemasons who built the small parish church in Skelton invested it with the same love and care as they had lavished on York's cathedral.

St Giles' Church is a hidden gem. Motorists rushing out of York on the A19 all see the Skelton road sign, with its discreet boast of a "XIIIth Century Church", but few ever take the detour to see it.

They are missing out. Those who make the pilgrimage cannot keep news of their discovery to themselves. Nikolaus Pevsner's The Buildings of England, John Betjeman's English Parish Churches and Simon Jenkins' England's Thousand Best Churches all contain eulogies to St Giles.

And seven years ago, a very special guest toured the church. "Prince Charles came on a special private visit. He asked specifically to see it because he was interested in architecture," said Peter Smith, Skelton resident and co-ordinator of the St Giles masonry repair project.

The church was built three-quarters of a millennium ago, in about 1247. A new guide book points out the link with the building's much grander relative.

"The church is believed to have been built at the same time as the North Transept of York Minster, by the same masons, and in a remarkably similar style of architecture.

"Many of the mason's marks, with which they used to 'sign' their work, can still be seen around the church, and some of them are also found in the Minster...

"Because of the similarity to York Minster (the Cathedral of St Peter), Skelton Church was known as 'Little St Peter's' during the 19th century, and this name even found its way into official documents, such as the census returns."

The medieval masons who built it would easily recognise their handiwork today.

"I wouldn't say it's unique, but it is extremely rare," Peter said. "It's a fairly small church and it's had so little alteration and repair work over the centuries."

Ironically a rare previous refurbishment is what needs to be put right today.

About £103,000 has to be raised to restore St Giles to its glorious best, more than half of which will go to repairing the main south doorway. For its part, the parish must raise about another £8,000.

Peter explained: "The doorway was restored in the 19th century. We think the stone they used to restore it was not as good as the original stone used by the masons in 1247.

"It's weathered more quickly and deteriorated more quickly."

That erosion has all but destroyed the work of Michael Taylor, who recarved the archway pillars in 1819. At this time the church's little wooden steeple, which had covered the bells since the 17th century or earlier, was removed.

Inside St Giles Church, all is cool tranquillity. On the walls are traces of the painted patterns and writing which date from Elizabethan times. The stained glass windows, added in the 18th century, add colour.

Since 1791, pews have been provided. But for the first few centuries, congregations had to stand, although some stalls were provided for the elderly.

Sitting there, it is easy to imagine churchgoers gathering for a service down the centuries.

"People have commented to me that you can almost feel the stones have been worshipping God here all these years," said Peter.

"It's a very spiritual place. I know one or two vicars who come here because it's a good place to pray."

If you would like to get involved in the fundraising appeal, or make a donation, contact Peter on (01904) 470503.

Updated: 11:30 Monday, September 15, 2003