At the time of the Norman invasion, the lord of the manor was Arnketil, but was subsequently granted to Hugh, son of Baldric.

[4] Kilburn was historically a township and parish in the wapentake of Birdforth in the North Riding of Yorkshire.

[5] The etymology of the name comes from two Old English words, ciele & burna, meaning "cool stream".

[6] Robert de Alneto, a monk from Whitby Abbey, lived in a hermitage at Hood Grange, 2 miles (3 km) from the village.

The White Horse is a figure cut into the hillside to the north of the village, and visible for many miles around on a clear day.

The Grade II* listed building was erected in the early 12th century and underwent restoration in 1869.