Burnsall
Population: 100 Est.
Grid Ref: SE0361
Distance: 12 miles drive from Skipton
Directions: North on B6265 turn right, via Linton onto local
road
Car Parking: Near the green, or before the bridge, or up by
the church
Facilities: Shop : Cafe : Pub
Nearby Interest: River : Walks : About two million other visitors
on a sunny day.
Church:
St. Wilfred's : Tower : Unusual gate
Burnsall is a charming village. Typically it has a large
public green, a pub, two churches, a couple of shops, and
views to die for.
The distinctive limestone uplands, and hillsides with white
walls surround it, but below, south of Burnsall, the valley
becomes more wooded, and the moorland skylines increasingly
mournful.
The B6160 from Bolton Bridge enters the village near a riverside
car park (a charge is made) and meanders between ancient stone
houses of the 17th & 18th C. many having mullioned windows.
Near the top of the street is St Wilfrid's church, approached
through a 17th C. tapsel gate - a lychgate with a `turnstile'
entrance. The church was largely rebuilt during the reign
of Henry VIII but also houses 14th-century artwork, including
a beautiful, sculptured alabaster panel showing the Adoration
of the Magi. Evidence of a much older foundation is demonstrated
by the crudely carved Norman font, and fragments of some Anglo-Danish
crosses of the 9th or 10th C.
Sir William Craven who, in 1612 at his own expense, `repaired
and butified' the church, rebuilt both Burnsall bridge and
the grammar school just below the church, which he had founded
in 1602. It continued as a grammar school until 1876 and is
now used as a primary school.
Exploring the riverside paths to Appletreewick, Hebden and
Grassington and field path to Thorpe are the best ways to
view this beautiful area.
Picture of Burnsall
Church - Easter
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