About St Mary's Church, Bolton on Swale

St. Mary's Church is at the easternmost end of the parish. Situated in the small village of Bolton on Swale, but serving a number of villages around, including the large village of Scorton. The church itself is old and is of Gothic fabric and built on the site of previous Norman and Saxon structures. The present building was erected by the brethren of the Abbey of St Mary of York, probably during the first half of the 14th. century. The church was enlarged and restored in 1859. Some interesting sarcophagi were found during this alteration and these are now to be found on the interior wall by the door. In the vestry a curious stone roof exists which is apparently a portion of the original Saxon structure. The stained glass windows are 'modern' as is the wall painting on the east wall. The church attracts many visitors being on the coast to coast walk. In the graveyard is the tomb of Henry Jenkins who, it is claimed, lived to be 160 years old! The church is kept open during the hours of daylight and visitors are very welcome and are invited to sign the visitors' book inside the main door.