Church of St John the Baptist

The Church of St John the Baptist is an Anglican parish church in Wakefield built between 1791 and 1795, featuring a prominent west tower with five stages. The tower is crowned by a polygonal dome with round openings at its highest level, while the interior contains a sunken coffered ceiling in the nave and a painted, gilded barrel vault in the chancel decorated with an IHS monogram.

Construction began in 1791 following designs by architect Charles Watson and was completed by 1795. The building underwent major alterations in 1885, then received further extensions in 1905 by architect John Thomas Micklethwaite to adapt the structure to changing needs.

The interior preserves original Georgian pews and a polygonal pulpit that reflect the craftsmanship of its era. Wall tablets spanning the 18th to 20th centuries commemorate parishioners, creating a personal record of the community over time.

Access is normally limited, but guided tours are available during the annual Heritage Weekend in September. For other visits, contacting the churchwarden in advance can arrange a viewing.

The nave ceiling features sunken round panels, an unusual architectural detail that adds depth to the space. This handcrafted element combined with the gilded decoration makes the interior design particularly distinctive.