All Saints Church, Alton Priors

All Saints Church, Alton Priors is a Grade II* listed church in Wiltshire. Read about its history, architecture and gardens, plus how to visit and what's nearby.

About All Saints Church, Alton Priors

All Saints Church stands in open fields near Alton Barnes in Wiltshire, its Perpendicular tower visible for miles around.

The Churches Conservation Trust has cared for the building since 1973, after it was declared redundant in 1972.

Inside, a lime-washed, barn-like nave gives way to a Norman chancel arch and Jacobean choir stalls.

A trapdoor in the floor conceals a buried Sarsen stone, and the churchyard yew is said to be around 1700 years old.

History of All Saints Church, Alton Priors

The church dates from the 12th century, with the surviving Norman chancel arch the clearest physical trace of that early building. Most of what stands today dates from the late medieval period, though the body of the chancel was rebuilt in the nineteenth century. The church was declared redundant in 1972 and passed into the care of the Churches Conservation Trust the following year.

Architecture of All Saints Church, Alton Priors

The nave is lime-washed and plain, with rustic roof trusses and open timbering giving it an almost barn-like character. The Norman chancel arch survives from the church's earliest phase, while Jacobean choir stalls, unusually tall communion rails and a tomb dated 1590 belonging to William Button add later detail.

Worth knowing

A trapdoor in the church floor hides a buried Sarsen stone, a relic of the prehistoric monuments scattered across this part of Wiltshire.

Gardens & grounds at All Saints Church, Alton Priors

The churchyard yew is reputed to be around 1700 years old, one of the oldest living things in the area.

Plan your visit to All Saints Church, Alton Priors

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Nearest station: Pewsey Rail Station (3.4 miles)

Open daily; check with Churches Conservation Trust for seasonal access arrangements.

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Places to visit near All Saints Church, Alton Priors

Marden Henge

historic building 2.7 miles

View Marden Henge on heritage map

West Kennet Long Barrow

archaeological site 3.5 miles

View West Kennet Long Barrow on heritage map

The Sanctuary

archaeological site 3.7 miles

View The Sanctuary on heritage map

Silbury Hill

historic building 4.0 miles

Visit Silbury Hill View Silbury Hill on heritage map

West Kennet Avenue

historic building 4.5 miles

View West Kennet Avenue on heritage map

Historic places nearby

Within 5 miles of All Saints Church, Alton Priors there are 8 historic properties, including 4 historic buildings and 3 archaeological sites, across English Heritage and National Trust sites.

5 English Heritage

3 National Trust

4 Historic building

3 Archaeological site

1 Museum

See these 8 sites on the heritage map

Within 10 miles of All Saints Church, Alton Priors there are 12 historic properties, including 5 historic buildings, 4 archaeological sites and 2 museums, across English Heritage, National Trust and Historic Houses sites.

8 English Heritage

3 National Trust

1 Historic Houses

5 Historic building

4 Archaeological site

2 Museum

1 Historic house

See these 12 sites on the heritage map

Within 20 miles of All Saints Church, Alton Priors there are 48 historic properties, including 18 historic buildings, 10 archaeological sites and 9 historic houses, across English Heritage, National Trust and Historic Houses sites.

22 English Heritage

14 National Trust

9 Historic Houses

3 Churches Conservation Trust

18 Historic building

10 Archaeological site

9 Historic house

3 Museum

3 Church

2 Castle

1 Manor house

1 Chapel

1 Monument

See these 48 sites on the heritage map