Sutton-on-the-Forest Church
The church of All Hallows stands almost directly opposite the stately home of Sutton Park. The church dates to at least 1185, and its long list of vicars includes Laurence Sterne, famous as the author of Tristam Shandy. Sterne wrote the first two volumes of his opus while living in the village.
The interior boasts many fine monuments to the Harland family of Sutton Park, including the monument of Richard Harland, who fought at the Battle of Marston Moor in 1644.
There is a lovely Georgian pulpit and a mass dial scratched into the wall. Speaking of scratches, look for the long grooves scored into the exterior walls; these are said to be the result of arrow sharpening in the 15th century when archery practice was a required activity after Sunday services. Just inside the south door is an alms box carved from solid oak, which dates to 1673.
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