Church of All Saints

Church of All Saints is the Anglican parish church of Settrington, a village in North Yorkshire, England. It belongs to the Diocese of York and is still used for worship. Historic England lists it at Grade II*, a category reserved for particularly important buildings, and the listing dates from 1966. The church stands at roughly 54.12 N, 0.72 W.

How old is the church?

The oldest parts of the building go back to the late 12th or early 13th century. The listing text describes the fabric as late 12th to early 13th century, with an arcade from the early 13th century. The parish's own church guide places the origins in the 12th century and says the font is also late 12th century. Wikipedia gives the 13th century. Taken together, the sources agree that this is a medieval church that grew over several centuries.

What changed over the centuries?

• Late 14th century: the west tower was added. The parish guide calls it very fine and says it originally carried a stone spire.
• 1734: the Royal Arms of George II, dated to this year, hang beside the door to the tower staircase.
• 1823: the south aisle was rebuilt. The present dedication to All Saints dates from about this time, because the church was earlier dedicated to St Michael.
• 1861 and 1867-68: the architect J. L. Pearson, later known for Truro Cathedral, drew up a design for restoring the chancel in 1861. A modified version was carried out in 1867-68, and the chancel was largely rebuilt.
• After 1845: a stained glass window in the west end commemorates Archdeacon Todd, who died in 1845.

What does the tower look like?

The listing describes a three-stage west tower standing on an offset plinth. Chamfered string courses mark each stage, and diagonal buttresses support the corners. There is a pointed west doorway, and the battlements at the top are pierced with quatrefoils. These details make the tower the most recognisable feature of the church from the village street.

Who held the manor?

The church's story is tied to the manor of Settrington. The Bigod family were lords of the manor from the 13th to the 16th century, and heraldry in the church refers to them. The family held the manor until 1537. In that year Sir Francis Bigod was executed for treason after the Pilgrimage of Grace, the northern uprising against Henry VIII's religious reforms. Later, patronage of the living passed through several families. Today the right of presentation belongs to Lord Brownlow.

Frequently asked questions

Is the church open for services? Yes. It is an active parish church of the Church of England, so regular worship takes place there. Check the parish noticeboard for times.

What is its heritage status? Grade II* listed since 1966.

Who restored the chancel? J. L. Pearson, whose rebuilding work was completed in 1867-68.

Was it always called All Saints? No. It was once dedicated to St Michael, and the All Saints dedication dates from about 1823.

Where is Settrington? In North Yorkshire, in the east of the county, not far from Malton.