All Saints, Alton Priors

The Perpendicular tower of All Saints dominates surrounding fields and stands just across the stream from St Mary’s at Alton Barnes; inside it is lime-washed and barn-like, with big rustic roof trusses and open timbering. Of the original Norman church, only the chancel arch remains. The rest of the church dates from late-mediaeval times, except for the chancel which was rebuilt in the 19th century but which still contains Jacobean pews, unusually tall communion rails and a 1590 tomb. The west tower of squared limestone, commands its surroundings with complete aplomb.