All Saints Church, Alton Priors facts for kids
Quick facts for kids All Saints Church |
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| Native name Church of All Saints | |
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| Location | Alton Priors, Wiltshire, England |
| Built | 12th century |
| Website | Churches Conservation Trust |
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Listed Building – Grade II*
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| Designated | 27 May 1964 |
| Reference no. | 1364710 |
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All Saints Church is a very old church in a small village called Alton Priors in Wiltshire, England. It was built way back in the 12th century, which means it's over 800 years old! This church is considered a special historic building, known as a Grade II* listed building. Today, it's looked after by a group called The Churches Conservation Trust, which helps protect old churches.
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A Church with a Long Story
This church was built using strong stones like limestone and malmstone. Even though it's very old, it has been repaired and updated many times over the centuries. The only parts that are still from the original 12th-century building are some decorative stone pieces called "imposts" near the main arch inside. You can also see other old stone pieces from the 12th century displayed in the church.
Ancient Roots
Did you know that this spot might have been special long before the church was built? There are special trapdoors in the church floor that lead to large Sarsen stones. Also, a huge yew tree, about 1,700 years old, grows in the churchyard. These things suggest that people considered this a sacred place long before the church was built.
Changes Over Time
In 1491, a landowner named John Button gave lead to help put a roof on part of the church. Later, in the 18th century, parts of the church like the main hall (called the nave), the tall tower, and the area around the altar (called the chancel) were all rebuilt. Inside, you can see old wooden seats from the Jacobean period. The church also has three bells, but they are very old and cannot be rung anymore.
Community Spirit
In 2016, some lead was stolen from the church roof. But the local community quickly worked together to raise money. They were able to put a temporary roof in place to protect the church. The church does not have a permanent electricity supply. The churchyard is cared for by local volunteers and the parochial council.
Special Monuments
On the north side of the chancel, there is a special tomb from the 16th century. It remembers a landowner named William Button, who died in 1591. The tomb has a large brass plaque on top. A famous expert on buildings, Pevsner, described this monument as very imaginative. He said it shows William Button rising from his tomb, with angels and heaven opening up in the background. It also has many interesting writings on it.
Events at the Church
Even though the church doesn't have regular services anymore, it's still used for special events. For example, local volunteers organize a music festival every June. This festival features a group called "Music for Awhile," and it helps raise money to care for the church.
The Church's Parish
All Saints Church in Alton Priors used to be a small church connected to a larger one in Overton. In 1913, Alton Priors Church joined with the church in Alton Barnes. Now, St Mary's Church in Alton Barnes is the main church for the area. Both churches are part of a group of sixteen churches in the Vale of Pewsey.
See also
