All Saints Church, Alton Priors
All Saints Church in Alton Priors, Wiltshire, England, dates from the 12th century. It is recorded in the National Heritage List for England as a Grade II* listed building, and is now in the care of The Churches Conservation Trust. It was declared redundant on 28 July 1972, and was vested in the Trust on 12 December 1973. History and description The church was built of limestone and malmstone rubble in the 12th century, but has undergone several major refurbishments since. The only parts of the 12th-century building that remain in place are the imposts of the chancel arch, with simple ornamentation. Fragments from another 12th-century arch are on display in the church. The presence in the floor of the church of trapdoors giving access to Sarsen stones, and the presence of the 1,700-year-old yew tree in the churchyard, suggest it was a sacred site long before the church was built. In 1491, landowner John Button bequeathed lead to roof part of the church. In the 18th century the nave, two-stage west tower and chancel were all replaced. The church contains Jacobean stall fronts, and The three bells are from the 18th century and are said to be unringable. Lead