Following the Scottish raid in 1318, the church fell into a dilapidated state and in 1328 the then king, Edward III honey-mooning with his young bride Philippa in Knaresborough, promised her that he would arrange the reconstruction of the church. Queen Philippa took a considerable interest in the restoration work and in particular, in the re-designing of the St.Edmund's Chapel, then St.Edmund's Chantry. It is not known exactly when the restoration work began and ended but throughout this period and during the Black Death in 1349, the townsfolk had the support of Queen Philippa who was often in residence in the castle. Philippa died in 1369 and her devotion to the town of Knaresborough and the church, was long remembered by the people and the church became known as the Queen's Church.

The bells were first hung in 1774 and the present clock was installed in 1884. The face carries St.Paul's phrase, "redeeming the time" and the exterior view from the north side shows the gargoyles and turret stair-way up the tower which is mainly late 12th century. The churchyard was landscaped in 1973 and many of the gravestones can be seen around the immediate area of St.John's.

The Church Today
The Church of St.John the Baptist today has a lively and active community with regular services each Sunday and most days of the week. A strong choir tradition exists and youngsters from an early age may join and receive tuition (St John's Church Choir Web Site). The bells are rung every Sunday before the 10.30 a.m. service by a dedicated team who encourage other teams to join them from time to time. The Sunday school is well attended with about fifty children on the register. There are groups such as Guides, Brownies, Rainbows, Mothers' Union, Homemakers and The Friends of St.John's who are all associated with the church.

If anybody wishes to learn more about the church and its activities, please contact the Rector or the Wardens - their details can be found on the church notice board and on the back of the parish magazine, Accord, a copy of which can be found on the display table at the back of the church. Details of church services can be found on the Religious Centres Home Page

Alternatively, E-mail Andy Hetherington Andy@fletcherbull.com

Parish Records
For those wishing to research their family history, the Knaresborough Parish Records are now lodged at the Public Records Office in Northallerton and any enquiries should be directed to the County Library, 1 Thirsk Road, Northallerton, North Yorkshire, DL6 1PT. Telephone: 01609 767832.

Development Plans
An exciting proposal has recently been put forward for the renewal of St.John's Church Hall and the development of the adjacent site to provide a new hall and meeting facilities for the church and the wider community. Part of the existing building will be converted into residential accommodation for a caretaker/verger while the remainder will be used for meeting rooms, choir practice room, storage areas, etc. The new building will house a large multi-purpose hall suitable for 100 diners, a bar and cafeteria area and every advantage has been taken in the design to exploit the wonderful and unique views across the Nidd Gorge from almost every point within the structure. The proposals very much take account of the sensitive nature of the location with little intrusion to the skyline and adjacent property. The plans may be viewed at any time during the day in the church. The estimated costs are of the order of £750,000 and it is anticipated that an appeal will be launched shortly. This page will be updated as more details become available.

Reference
"The Queen's Church" The Story of Knaresborough Parish Church by Arnold Kellett first published in 1978 by the Friends of Knaresborough Parish Church

Note

For more information on the history of the town name of Knaresborough go to From Chenaresburg to Knaresborough