All Saints

The Domesday Book records a church at Sancton. Prior to this the vale was a route for Neolithic settlers up to the dry land of the Wolds, with cart burials and barrows, marking the occupation of the Parisi tribes.

The church became part of Watton Priory in 1150, and remained under its influence until the dissolution in 1534. The Archbishop of York appointed the first vicar in 1549, and the last Langdale Catholic mass was held in the church in 1570.

The lantern tower is 15th century and rare in Northern Europe, in that, it is octagonal for its whole height. Three bells are hung in the tower, two date from the 16th century and one was recast in 1898. We have had electric clangers fitted which give the original sound of the bells on the hour. The chancel and nave were rebuilt by Atkinsons of York in 1869/71 in Early English Gothic style. There is significant use of older stones from the dismantled 14/15th century building. There is a stoop made of oolitic limestone near the main door.

The Kirkland hand pumped organ was installed in 1895. Kirkland built 178 organs but there are few still being played.

There are a number of burials and memorials to the Langdale family on the altar plinth and under the choir in the chancel. The most historic being Lord Marmaduke Langdale. He was a civil war Commander of The Northern Horse in the King’s cause. Records of marriage have been kept since 1538 and burials since 1608 and copies of these are available from Borthwick Institute York. The font is 15th century with octagonal pier supporting an octagonal basin with shields.

We have a quiet prayer corner. Our guidebook is available in the church and we have time line that helps explain our village history.