All Saints Church
Native name: Church of All Saints
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Location: | Alton Priors, Wiltshire, England |
Coordinates: | |
Built: | 12th century |
Listed Building – Grade II* | |
Designated: | 27 May 1964[1] |
Reference #: | 311642 |
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All Saints Church in Alton Priors, Wiltshire, England, dates from the 12th century. It has been designated by English Heritage as a Grade II* listed building,[1] and is now a redundant church in the care of the Churches Conservation Trust.[2] It was declared redundant on 28 July 1972, and was vested in the Trust on 12 December 1973.[3]
The church was built of limestone and malmstone rubble in the 12th century, but has undergone several major refurbishments since. In the 18th century the nave, 2 stage west tower and chancel were all replaced.[1] The church contains Jacobean stall fronts and a 16th century tomb-chest and memorial.[2][4]
The presence in the floor of the church of trapdoors giving access to Sarsen stones,[5] and the presence of the 1,700 year old Yew tree in the churchyard,[4] suggest it was a sacred site long before the church was built. There is also an unusual brass plaque to local landowner William Button, with a complex inscription. It has been speculated that the message on the plaque, and Sarsen stones may be connected with the nearby Milk Hill.[6]
The church is no longer used on a regular basis with three services a year being held.[4]