Church of Saint John the Baptist, Knaresborough

St John the Baptist Church stands in the market town of Knaresborough beside the River Nidd. It is the largest church in the town and occupies a quiet lane just off Church Lane. The present building replaced an earlier church recorded at least as early as 1114. In the 16th century its dedication changed from St Mary to St John the Baptist after the Reformation. The tower bells were hung in 1774 and the whole church became a Grade I listed building in 1952. The church’s clock was made by Potts of Leeds and set going in April 1884. It remains in daily use and is a familiar sight to townspeople and visitors alike. The church also served as the seat of the suffragan Bishop of Knaresborough for many years. Today it belongs to the Archdeaconry of Richmond and Craven in the Diocese of Leeds. Inside, the spacious nave and aisles offer a calm place for reflection. The tower contains the 1774 ring of bells and the 1884 clock mechanism. Outside, the churchyard overlooks the wide curve of the River Nidd. The building’s Grade I listing recognises its long history and architectural importance to the town.