All Saints' Church, Alton Priors, Wiltshire
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Photo: The CCT
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Photo: Tim Rubidge
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Photo: Diana Neale LRPS
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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.
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St Nicholas' Church, Berwick Bassett, Wiltshire
7.11 miles
A modest, simple and secluded church
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St Peter's Church, Everleigh, Wiltshire
7.46 miles
One of the first churches with an iron frame
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St George's Church, Orcheston, Wiltshire
11.16 miles
A secluded church in a lush valley
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Access information
Access is 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.
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Facilities & Hire
Due to the historic nature of our buildings, only a very small number have heating, running water or toilet facilities. The lighting is usually operated via a 'push button' timer or a motion sensor.
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Directions
8 miles west of Marlborough, off A345
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Transport
Nearest railway station: Pewsey (3.7 miles)
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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.
Wiltshire County Guide
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.
Click here for a free audio guide for the church.
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Community information
All our Wiltshire churches are in our West region.
Useful local links
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