'Bolton - All Saints Church'

Grid Ref 91: NY 639235

Set back from the road, in an attractive churchyard, this village church has some fascinating features in a beautiful setting. The approach is along a long path through a well-tended avenue of yew trees, passing on the right a sundial erected in 1747.

To the left of the entrance porch is a stone effigy of a woman with her head on a cushion, possibly a 14th Century coffin lid.

The base of the tower, nave, chancel and two doorways are 12th century. The bell turret dates from 1693, and the bells were cast in the same year. On the north outer wall is a sandstone relief of two knights fighting - thought to date from the 12th century - it is unique. Sadly the inscription on the slab beside it has completely eroded.

Stained glass is by Shrigley and Hunt, and Clayton and Bell. The East windows includes an image of a pelican feeding her chicks - a Christian symbol representing Christ.

Aerial photo by Simon Ledingham. Other photos by Matthew Emmott.