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Bolton, All Saints Church

Travel Information and nearby accommodation

Set on a rise over the River Eden in a lovely village, All Saints is a gem of an historic church, containing intruiging features. The first of these can be seen to the left of the south porch as you approach down the entrance an evenue of clipped yew trees. A fascinating effigy of a woman is set into the exterior wall. The carving, and the detail of the woman's garments, suggest a date of sometime between 1200 and 1400. As her head is lying on a pillow, it suggests that the effigy was intended to be prone, and may have come from an early coffin lid.

The second intriguing architectual feature of the church exterior is to be found around the back of the church, where the old north door has been blocked up. Above the Norman doorway arch are two red sandstone blocks. That to the right contains a very worn inscription, now so badly eroded as to be almost invisible. However, recorded observations from an early survey of the church suggests that it once read:

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Now if your Latin is as bad as mine you'll be relieved to learn that we have a partial translation; "Sir Lawrence De Vere gives to the men of Bolton ..." which suggests that this is a dedication by the said Sir Lawrence, noting a gift. What gift? Well, that's where the other stone comes in. Upon this stone is a relief carving; a fascinating depiction of two knights engaged in a joust. This may, in fact, be completely unique as a carving in an English church.

A closer study of the knights reveals that they are wearing mail shirts and kite-shaped shields of a style used during the reign of Henry II (1154 - 1189). One of the knights is smaller and of inferior rank, if we can judge because he bears no banner on his lance. The lesser ranked knight has broken through the guard of his opponent, and his lance is thrust under the nasal guard of his opponent's helmet. One suggestion is that the carving ccommemorates a tournament held locally.

So much for the exterior of the church, but spare a glance for the interior, too. You enter through the south door, which has attractive late 12th century Norman carvings. To the left is a figure holding a pair of staves, to the right a figure with wings.

To the right of the door on entering is a poor box, inscribed with "1634. The Poor Man's Box." Near the chancel arch is an oak strongbox, probably 16th century.

The interior is attractive, but it is really the exterior carvings which make All Saints such an enjoyable church to visit.
Bolton, Cumbria, England

About Bolton, All Saints Church
Attraction Type: Church
Location: Almost opposite the pub, to the east of the village crossroads. Parking on the verge.
Location map
Bolton, All Saints Church Photos
OS NY639233
Heritage Rating:   ?

Nearest attractions Nearest Towns and Villages Nearest accommodation Nearest Tourist Information Centre

OS map Related Information Photos

Nearest Attractions Appleby, St Lawrence Church - 3.3 miles (Church) Acorn Bank - 3.4 miles (Garden) Appleby Castle - 3.7 miles (Castle) Eden Valley - 5.3 miles (Countryside) Rutter Force - 5.3 miles (Countryside) The Countess Pillar - 6.7 miles (Historic Property) Clifton Hall - 7 miles (Historic Property) Brougham Castle - 7.2 miles (Castle)

Nearest Towns and Villages Appleby - 5.3 miles away Edenhall - 7.2 miles away Penrith - 8.7 miles away Great Salkeld - 10.1 miles away Pooley Bridge - 10.5 miles away Kirkoswald - 12.3 miles away Kirkby Stephen - 12.4 miles away Glenridding - 16 miles away

Photos of Bolton, All Saints Church

Bolton All Saints

Sundial

Carved Effigy

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Nearest Accommodation to Bolton, All Saints Church

Nearest Self Catering Cottages

The Barn - 3.2 miles from Bolton, All Saints Church Dufton, Cumbria Sleeps: 3 Stay from: £195

Midtown Farmhouse - 3.2 miles from Bolton, All Saints Church Dufton, Cumbria Sleeps: 8 Stay from: £600

The Dairy - 3.2 miles from Bolton, All Saints Church Dufton, Cumbria Sleeps: 10 Stay from: £750

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Nearest Hotels

Temple Sowerby House Hotel & Restaurant - 2.8 miles from Bolton, All Saints Church Penrith, Cumbria Stay from: £100.00

Temple Sowerby House Hotel - 2.9 miles from Bolton, All Saints Church Culgaith, Cumbria Stay from: £90.00

Royal Oak Appleby - 3.7 miles from Bolton, All Saints Church Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria Stay from: £40.00

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Nearest Bed and Breakfasts

Marton House - 1.9 miles from Bolton, All Saints Church Long Marton, Cumbria From: £70.00

Royal Oak Inn - 3.7 miles from Bolton, All Saints Church Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria From: £49.00

Queens Head Inn - 8.7 miles from Bolton, All Saints Church Penrith, Cumbria From: £45.00

More bed and breakfasts near Bolton, All Saints Church

Appleby-in-Westmorland
Tourist Information Centre
Moot Hall
Boroughgate
Appleby-in-Westmorland
Cumbria
England
CA16 6XE
Tel: 017683 51177
Fax: 017683 51177
Email: tic@applebytown.org.uk
Web: http://www.applebytowncouncil.fsnet.co.uk/
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