A Reflection on Community, Partnership, and Shared Heritage
All Saints’ Church sits within the grounds of Harewood House in West Yorkshire, a site that welcomes over 250,000 visitors each year. Built in the fifteenth century and restored in 1862–63 by Sir George Gilbert Scott, the church was vested to the Churches Conservation Trust in 1978. While the church remains an important historic building, its graveyard had become overgrown and difficult for visitors to access.
CCT proposed a joint project with Harewood House to improve the graveyard’s presentation, restore access, and enhance the area for wildlife. On 25 September, CCT Local Community Officers, Mark and Charlotte, joined 14 Harewood House staff and volunteers to begin this work. The group cleared brambles and ferns from graves, removed fallen branches and overgrowth, and re-established paths leading from the gates to the church doors.
At the end of the day, one volunteer reflected:
It made me realise what a lot of history is contained in a graveyard and by not maintaining it we are not only preventing relatives from visiting graves of their loved ones, but we are also losing important and valuable historical information.
The collaboration has already had a positive impact. Engagement with Harewood has resulted in increased visits and donations at the church. Harewood House and Viscountess Lascelles have also begun hosting events and activities inside All Saints’, including September’s Harewood Gospel Celebration with the Music House Gospel Choir and a Leeds community choir.
With areas of the churchyard now accessible for the first time in years, both organisations plan to continue this work in spring and autumn 2026. These shared efforts demonstrate the value of local partnerships and show how working closely with neighbours can strengthen heritage sites and broaden their role within the wider visitor experience.
CCT could not operate without the support of volunteers. We are forever grateful for those who give their time to ensure our nation's churches remain open and free to enjoy.
Date written: 17th December 2025