The Parish Church of All Saints, Batley

The Parish Church of All Saints has a very long history.

The first mention of a church on this site was in 1086 when it was described in the Domesday Book, though it is almost certain that a church existed on the site before this date. This means that in all probability it is both the oldest building and church in the town of Batley. The population of Batley at this time was around 30 to 40 people. In the Domesday Book it is stated that there was a church, a priest and two acres of meadow. The Coucher Book of Nostell Priory noted that the townships of Morley, Churwell and Gildersome were in the parish of Batley.

In the 13th century the rectory at Batley was ordained a perpetual vicarage and in 1334 the south chantry chapel was founded by Adam de Oxenhope de Copley. 150 years later the present building was erected in a Gothic perpendicular style.

The building appears to have been without an organ until1830 when one was installed in the south chantry chapel. This was replaced by another instrument in 1943 positioned in the south aisle and the present organ was installed in 1965. The current vestry was added at this time.

There was a restoration of the church in 1873, with the old family boxes being replaced by the present pews. Shortly after this a vestry was built and in 1923 two bells were added to the existing six. The oldest of these bells dates back to 1658.