History of All Saint's Church
The actual date of the Church's foundation is unknown as no mention is made of a Church in the Doomsday book. An old tradition has Harry Hotspur linked to the early Church.
In 1893 a portion of a Saxon cross was found built into the stairs of the Tower. It is likely that an earlier Church existed, being rebuilt between 1175 and 1200. The doorway in the south porch is Norman and dates from around this time. The tower was built in 1450. A controversial restruction of the Church took place in 1855.
The first rector was Master Henry de Evesham inducted in 1280, a scholar theologian with a knowledge of medicine that was renowned throughout Europe.
Another famous rector was William de Melon (1310-1317) Treasurer of England and keeper of the great seal. James Tripp (1847-1879) built the Church and school at Follifoot. He also built the schools at Linton and Spofforth.
Four Good Bells and a Bad Clock
When the Trinitarian priory was dissolved in Knaresborough, 4 of its 12 bells were said to have been given to Spofforth. Another tradition is that the bells came from Fountains Abbey. The earliest bell dates from between 1570-1593.