The History of St John's

St John's, standing at the top of the village street, opposite the High Hall, is a Chapel-of-Ease, being in the Parish of Burnsall.

The building was originally two cottages, in one of which William Craven was reputed to have been born in 1548. The date 1635 over the entrance door refers to some structural work done at that time. They were combined and converted for ecclesiastical use under the Rectorship and design of Canon W. J. Stavert. The cottages were given to him by the Craven family to whom he was at one time Chaplain.

Three hundred pounds was collected locally for the alterations, and the Chapel was dedicated and opened on 3rd May 1898 by the Right Rev. W. Boyd Carpenter, Lord Bishop of Ripon, in whose diocese Appletreewick then was. The opening was attended by Evelyn, Countess of Craven

A stone tablet on the west wall tells us: 'Pray ye for the soul of (or Remember before God the earthly life of) William Craven who was born in this place (cottage) about the year of salvation 1548, and whom the citizens of London raised to the highest honours in the year of salvation 1611'

Chapel-of-Ease

A Chapel-of-Ease is built as a district chapel to the main Church, and this one was provided for the people living some distance from St. Wilfrid's in Burnsall, and as stated in Burnsall Parish Magazine in June 1897 'that a want of it touches especially the aged and infirm'. At the end of the 19th century there was more industry and a larger population in Appletreewick and also in adjoining Skyreholme. Transport would have been more difficult, so the chapel was needed to serve up to 100 people.

The Chapel-of-Ease was dedicated to St. John the Baptist, the Patron Saint of the Merchant Taylors' Company of which Sir William Craven was a devoted member.

Weddings may take place at a Chapel-of-Ease, but only with an Archbishop's license. This is usually only issued if there are strong links with the chapel or village. If you would like to be married in St John's, please contact the Revd Fiona Jenkins at the number below.