St John the Baptist
Royston, Yorkshire
'St John’s is clearly well cared for and well maintained; all concerned are to be commended for their care of one of the region’s most important historic buildings'.
There is considered to have been a site of Christian worship on this land above the stream since Anglo Saxon times and throughout the Danelaw era. This is evidenced by a considerable amount of Anglo Saxon stonework in the west and south western areas of the building. The font is believed to be from this period also.
The church was extended, raised and underwent numerous configurations both internally and externally. The external view though is unchanged since it's appearance in the 16th century, standing in open countryside surrounded by a churchyard which is still open.
Internally, there have been numerous changes to the layout with the last major change being made in 1875. One of the stained glass windows is dedicated to St Peter by Preedy and is situated into a Saxon window in the south west corner. The church is open to visit or for private prayer most days.
The restored Elizabethan schoolroom, which is situated adjacent to the church, is available to visit on the second Saturday morning of the month during our regular coffee / breakfast morning.