All Saints' Church: A Charming Piece of History!
All Saints' Church is located in the peaceful village of Moor Monkton, just northwest of York, England. This lovely church has been standing since the 12th century, and though it has undergone some changes over the years, it still retains much of its original charm.
The church’s earliest features include the nave and chancel, which were built in the 12th century. Some of the original stonework is still visible today, along with two south doorways, windows on the north wall, and the lower part of the chancel arch. Fast forward to 1638, when Sir Henry Slingsby decided to give the church a makeover, adding a brick tower to the structure. Then, in 1879, the church received a big restoration from James Fowler, who replaced the tower and refreshed the inside by removing most of the furnishings and stained glass.
All Saints' Church is built from sandstone and gritstone and has a tiled roof. It features a beautiful tower with gargoyles shaped like animal heads. The church also has some quirky surprises, like a slab on the porch depicting a priest’s head and feet and an 18th-century memorial showing a figure on a bier (a type of funeral platform).
Today, you can admire the stunning 19th-century stained glass windows created by the renowned designers Heaton, Butler, and Bayne. These exquisite windows feature intricate depictions of St. Mary, Jesus on the cross, St. Hubert, the patron saint of hunters, and St. Francis of Assisi, celebrated for his connection to nature and ecology.
In 1966, All Saints' Church was listed as Grade II*, officially recognising it as a particularly important building. Whether you're a history buff or just someone who loves a good story, its fascinating past is sure to capture your imagination!
Did you know... The church was only a mile away from the village, but it took nearly 900 years to get connected to the electric grid! Talk about a long wait. You can read about it by clicking here.