St John the Baptist
Knaresborough, Yorkshire
Iconic, atmospheric and beautiful medieval church, a hidden gem, open every day all year round.
The church’s presence in Scotton dates from the early medieval period when a chapel was established in the village. This subsequently fell into a state of disrepair. The Lord of the Manor, William de Nessfield, re-established the Church in 1349 dedicated to Our Lady, where daily mass was held until the dissolution in 1548. There is reportedly no trace of this church now. After this, worship was either held at Farnham or within resident’s houses in the village.
In 1886, Sister Katherine founded a fund for the construction of a new church in Scotton. The selected site was that of a pre-Roman long barrow, 60ft in height and containing numerous cremated remains. This was 'flattened' by local farmers. Reportedly a Mr Morrell and his horse and cart worked for two days removing 410 loads!
The foundation stone was laid on 19th July 1888 and the church was dedicated to St Thomas the Apostle the following May by the Bishop of Ripon, as a chapel of ease to Farnham. In 1996 a new stained glass window to the design of Ann Sotheran, in memory of the Thackery family, was installed to the east window of the chancel.