All Saints' Church, Alton Priors
Wiltshire
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About this church
Mysterious trapdoors, buried Sarsen stones and ancient yew trees
The Perpendicular tower of this lovely medieval church dominates surrounding fields. It stands just across the stream from St Mary's at Alton Barnes, and the churchyard yew tree is said to be 1700 years old!
Inside it is lime-washed and barn-like, with big rustic roof trusses and open timbering. The chancel arch is all that remains of the church's Norman past. The rest of the church dates from late medieval times, except for the body of the chancel which was rebuilt in the nineteenth century.
The church still contains Jacobean choir stalls, unusually tall communion rails and a 1590 tomb. A mysterious trapdoor conceals a buried Sarsen stone (a sandstone block).
All Saints' suffered a tragic lead theft in 2015 and we are raising money to repair the damage. Please click here to find out more and support our appeal.
Click here for a free audio guide of the church.
All Saints' Church features in our Wiltshire Medieval Grafitti Tour on Google Earth.
For further information about this church please contact the Local Community Officer, Rachel Whitty on 07872 502 118
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Access information
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All Saints' Church can be accessed by public footpaths including the White Horse Way across fields from Alton Barnes or car park to the east (200m).
There are 3 stone steps to hedged churchyard and west door; or stile from field at NE corner. Further step to nave. Wide access at west end.
Facilities & hire
This Church is available for hire and is a unique and beautiful venue. If you wish to use this church for events permission must be sought in advance from the Churches Conservation Trust.
Due to its historic nature this church has no electricity or toilets. There is no dedicated parking. The maximum capacity of this church is 60.
For further information on hiring this venue please contact the Regional Office west@thecct.org.uk
- Church available for hire
Directions
8 miles west of Marlborough, off A345.
Transport
Nearest railway station: Pewsey (3.7 miles).
History & further information
Why not make your visit more enjoyable and informed by finding out more about this church before you visit? You can download a range of publications below including the relevant county guide, and any walk round guides we have for this church.
All Saints' church features in our Wiltshire Medieval Grafitti Tour on Google Earth
Click here for a free audio guide for the church.
This free of charge short guide contains details of all the churches we care for in Wiltshire. Printed copies of the county guide are also available at the church.
Community information
Alton Priors Church Plan January 2023.pdf
Click here to download a copy of the Church Plan which sets out the shared vision for the future of the church. This is a working document that will be updated on a regular basis. If you have any feedback or if you want to contact us about the church plan please drop us a line drop us a line. When you write, please do give the name of the church, thank you!
All our Wiltshire churches are in our West region.
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