All Saints’, Burton in Lonsdale

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All Saints' church, Burton in Lonsdale

All Saints’, Burton in Lonsdale

Where is it – England, Yorkshire and the Humber

Who looks after it –  Church authorities 

What is it –  Church, Free access 

When is it from – Victorian

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 to the east of the current building, 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, which is more a gateway and shed – 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 in the village 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 stone screen to protect the modesty of choirboys needing a pee. The adjacent memorial garden is on the site of a stable block.

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.

 


Address
High Street, Burton in Lonsdale, North Yorkshire LA6 3JX 

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