all saints church pontefract

There has been a church here or close by since anglo saxon times, and even featured in the Domesday Book survey in the year 1086. The present church was built around the 1300s, but only a few parts of that church now remain. In 1536 when Henry the 5th announced dissolution it sparked an uprising known as the Pilgrim of Grace, many supporters went to Pontefract to establish themselves in the near bye castle. The then Archbishop of York was preaching in the church at Pontefract and asked for moderation, this had a reverse effect on the congregation and they dragged him from the Pulpit and off to the castle.
When the civil war took place the church was constantly changing from one side to the other and at one time was reported to have been hit over 60 times by cannon ball! In Fact during recent renovations one was found still embedded in one of the walls.
In one of the photos there is a wall with carved heads mounted on it, these came from the old Chantrells Porch.