Gilling East is a village in the Ryedale district of North Yorkshire, 2 miles south of Oswaldkirk. Holy Cross is a substantial church, consisting of nave, chancel and west tower, though much rebuilt during the 14th and 16th centuries. Surviving Norman parts are restricted to the nave arcades, which have cylindrical piers and square capitals.

The village is dominated by Gilling Castle, which was mainly constructed during the 16^th century and remodeled during the 18^th century. There are, however, significant parts dating from the 14^th century, but no evidence of an earlier building. The land around Gilling East appears to have changed hands frequently from the Conquest to the end of the 13^th century, including the Mowbray family, who had significant holdings throughout this region. It is reported that the church and surrounding land were granted to St Mary’s abbey in York, by a member of the Vescy family, who were tenants of the Mowbrays. Eustace (Vescy), who confirmed this donation, died in 1157.

It would appear that a church was in existence on this site prior to 1157. There are some elements in the nave walls, which would appear to have been either part of an earlier structure or reused. Whilst it is difficult to be specific, this may indicate a building from the latter part of the 11^th century. The nave arcades are clearly from a period towards the end of the 12^th century, probably c.1190. The type of carving in the capitals and the early pointed arches is consistent with other similar arcades in this region of a similar date.