Yorkshire and the Humber

All Saints' Burton in Lonsdale, with its tall spire, is a prominent landmark across the valley of the River Greta. It is relatively new, replacing an earlier chapel of ease , dedicated to St James, that stood somewhere to the east of the current building, probably on ground that is now part of a closed churchyard. It was designed in 'early English style' by the Lancaster partnership of Paley and Austin, was funded by Thomas Thornton, nephew of the millionaire trader Richard Thornton, and constructed between 1868 and 1876 partly on the site of his grandparents’ cottage. All Saints is an attractive church, with an interesting lych gate - probably erected at the same time as the church - located in the adjacent closed churchyard.

The church contains some fine stone details,a wonderful font, an impressive barrel-vaulted roof and has a ring of 6 bells. The first vicar of All Saints' Burton in Lonsdale was the Rev Frederick Binyon, father of the poet Lawrence Binyon, author of the poem, 'For the Fallen'. An original WW1 battlefield burial cross is on display inside the church, as well as a selection of renowned Burton in Lonsdale pottery - a specialist industry between the 17th and 20th centuries. Outside the south wall is the font from the old chapel of ease, which has been converted to a sundial and, at the east end, a screen to protect the modesty of choirboys needing a pee. Occasional concerts and events are held inside the church, including the widely popular 'Concert and Cakes' featuring musicians from the Royal Northern College of Music and locally baked goodies.

The Battle of Marston Moor was fought near York on 2nd July 1644 and was one of the major battles of the English Civil War. It engaged an estimated 18,000 Royalists and 28,000 combined Parliamentarians and Scots, lasted approximately 2 hours and resulted in a decisive defeat for King Charles.  Some 4,000 Royalists were killed and a further 1,500 captured.  One of the consequences was that the Royalists lost control of the North of England. This was the battle that helped make Oliver Cromwell's name as one of the commanders. The battlefield is situated on mainly agricultural land between the villages of Long Marston and Tockwith. A road runs across the area of the fighting, as it did in the 17th century and there is an obelisk memorial with an information panel.

Post code is approximate.

Beverley Minster is a stunning medieval Gothic church, one of the largest parish churches in England and larger than many cathedrals.  By tradition, a monastery was founded at a place called Inderawuda in the early 8th C by Bishop John of York, on the present site of Beverley Minster.  Bishop John died in 721 and was buried at Beverly; his tomb in the Minster was a place of pilgrimage up until the Reformation and the alleged site of his bones is marked today.

Beverley Minster’s second great story concerns Athelstan, first King of England, who stopped by to visit the tomb of St John in 934, on his way to fight an alliance of Scots and Norse at Brunanburgh.  He took a banner from the church and won a great victory.  Returning after the battle, he granted several privileges to Beverley, including the right of sanctuary.  The present Minster dates from 1190, following a devastating fire that destroyed much of the previous building and the town.  The Collegiate Church of St. John the Evangelist at Beverley was supressed in 1548, but the church was bought for £100 by townspeople, who raised £120 by pulling down the Chapter House, the adjoining church of St Martin and the charnel house.  Extensive refurbishment was undertaken in the 18th century.  Highlights today include the choir, the Norman font and 18th C canopy, stained glass and stone Saxon chair.

NB - this is nowhere near Bolton, Lancashire!

Bolton Castle is a 14th century fortress built on a grand scale by Sir Richard le Scrope - whose descendents still own the place. Mary, Queen of Scots, was held here for 6 months and was allowed to use the time hunting and learning English. It was besieged, and badly damaged, by Parliamentary forces during the English Civil War, but is still remarkably intact and well worth a visit. Great views of the Yorkshire Dales from the battlements. Pleasant medieval gardens. The adjacent chapel of St Oswald and the village of Castle Bolton are both charming.

Warning: Bolton Castle is used as a wedding venue - check it is open to visitors before making a special trip.

The Brontë family moved to Haworth in 1820, when Patrick Brontë was appointed ‘perpetual curate’ of the parish church. They lived in the Parsonage, where the three immensely talented sisters wrote some of the finest literature in the English language. Though it will overwhelm those who do not actually worship the Brontës, the Parsonage Museum is fascinating. And the town of Haworth is always worth a visit anyway. Don't miss the Gothic splendour of the churchyard!