The name ‘Cropton’ comes from Anglo-Saxon roots meaning ‘hill top settlement’

The church is dedicated to St Gregory the Great. It stands to the east of Castle Hill. Formerly, it was a chapel of ease within the Parish of Middleton. In 1986 Cropton with Cawthorne became a new parish and a member of the United Benefice of Lastingham, joining Appleton-Le Moors, Rosedale and Hutton-le-Hole.
There is no known record of when the original church was built.
The plain circular font is probably Norman and possibly in the Saxon tradition. A chaplain, who may also have served the castle, was attached to the church in the 14th century. It is known that in the late 18th century the building was given a slate roof, after alterations which included the addition of the south facing porch.
During the 1840’s the church was severely damaged by fire and rebuilt between 1844 and 1855. Some of the materials of the original church were reused; some were sold off. An apsidal sanctuary was added also, a bellcote with two small bells was provided in the west gable.

St Gregory’s continues today as a traditional village church, much cherished and cared for by the community.