St John the Baptist's Church, Tunstall

St John the Baptist's Church is a Gothic parish church in Tunstall featuring a west tower with diagonal buttresses and a unified nave and chancel structure running the length of the building. North and south aisles extend from the central vessel, while a two-storey south porch provides entry to the church and reflects the construction methods of its various building periods.

The church traces its origins to 1086 when it was recorded in the Domesday Book, and Sir Thomas Tunstal oversaw a major reconstruction around 1415. Significant alterations followed in the 16th century that shaped the building into the form visible today.

This church served as the spiritual center of the parish for centuries, shaping how the community gathered and marked important moments together. The building still reflects its role as a meeting place that brought people from the surrounding villages into one space for worship and celebration.

The building is open to visitors throughout the year, allowing time to explore the architecture and features at your own pace. Remember to be respectful while visiting, as this remains an active place of worship and community gathering.

The east window contains stained glass from the Netherlands dating to the late 1400s and 1500s, donated to the church by Richard Toulmin North from Thurland Castle in 1810. This rare imported artwork adds a layer of international connection to the building that many visitors overlook.

Location: Tunstall

Inception: 15 century

Architects: Sharpe, Paley and Austin

Architectural style: English Gothic architecture

Website: http://achurchnearyou.com/tunstall-st-john-the-baptist

GPS coordinates: 54.15970,-2.59230

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:06