History Timeline

Explore our visual timeline to learn more about the history of All Saints’ church.

1424

Consecration

All Saints’ is consecrated by Nicholas Warte, the bishop of Dromore, on 8 July.

1597

The Great Pew Dispute

The ‘Great Pew Dispute’ between Sir Thomas Fairfax and James Moiser took place in July and is recorded in the parish records. Read more

1605 – 1620

Church Bells Re-Cast

In 1605, the ‘Great Bell of Bolton’ (tenor bell) is re-cast and installed. In 1609, the middle bell is re-cast and installed. (It was re-cast again in 1629.) In 1620, the little bell (treble bell) is re-cast and installed. (It was re-cast again in 1760.)

1642 – 1646

Civil War

The English Civil War commences. At some point during this period Parliamentarian Soldiers are billeted overnight inside All Saints’ and sharpen their swords on the chancel stalls. One soldier (Richarde Acroyde) goes so far as to carve his name there.

1650

Andrew Marvell

The poet Andrew Marvell arrives at Nun Appleton to tutor Mary Fairfax, regularly joins Fairfax for worship at All Saints’. Read more

1657

Mary Fairfax

15th September saw the marriage of George Villiers, 2nd Duke of Buckingham, and Mary Fairfax, daughter of Thomas Lord Fairfax of Nun Appleton. Read more

1715

Pulpit installed

The large pulpit is gifted to the church by successful wool merchant Sir William Milner.

1720

Chancel Windows Preserved

Rev Thomas Lamplugh preserves the chancel windows, which, according to 17^th century antiquarian James Torre, had been “miserably defaced and broken”.

1757

A Curious Tale

At Easter the marriage of Ann Steel and John Brown took place, however this was later annulled when “John Brown” turned out in fact to be Barbara Hill in disguise. Read more

1760

Treble Bell Re-Cast

The little bell is re-cast and installed.

1866

Chancel Windows Restored

The medieval East Window and other chancel windows are restored courtesy of Archdeacon Stephen Creyke, the resident priest. Read more

1876

Henry Hunnings

Rev Henry Hunnings, Curate of the Parish, invents the ‘Carbon Granule telephone transmitter’. Read more

1880

Society Marriage

19th October saw the “Society” marriage of Miss Denison and Mr Frederick Milner. Read more

1896

Society Marriage

6th August saw the “Society” marriage of Miss Augusta Whatman with Mr Robert Crosthwaite. Read more

1903

Gallery Removed and Organ Installed

The organ is gifted to All Saints’ by Milner of Nun Appleton and the gallery is demolished to make way for its installation. Read more

1926

Lychgate added

The lychgate, constructed by Robert “Mouseman” Thompson of Kilburn, is given to the church in memory of Samuel Smith of Oxton Hall.

1967

Grade 1 Listed

In February, All Saints’ is registered as a Grade 1 listed building.

1978

Last ‘Full Circle’ Bell Ringing

At the wedding between Simon Mitchell and Clarissa Smith on 22nd April, the church bells were rung using the ‘full circle’ ringing method for the very last time.

2000

Millenium Window Installed

The Millenium Window, designed by Thomas Denny, is installed following a village fundraising effort to mark the occasion. Read more

2018

Church Bells Restored

All three church bells are removed and restored with new frames and fittings. Read more

2024

600th Anniversary of All Saints’

Services of Celebration and Dedication were led respectively by the Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell and Bishop John Thomson of Selby. A Time Capsule was also buried in the Churchyard.