Church Of All Saints

The church of All Saints is a building of considerable historical and architectural interest in Forton, showing a unique combination of periods from the possible 12th century through to the 18th century, with significant remodelling in 1723.

The west tower has an early 13th-century base with angled buttresses, and an upper part from the late medieval period, distinguished by a decorated frieze and eight pinnacles. The chancel dates from the early 13th century, possibly earlier, and features a small window on the north side. The east window is a Victorian replacement in the Perpendicular style, while a window in the east aisle from the 15th century features quatrefoil details. The north wall of the aisle is from the 14th century, displaying Decorated style windows. The south wall of the nave was entirely rebuilt in 1723, exhibiting a 1:4:1 bay arrangement, with four tall windows featuring rounded arches, flanked by round-arched doors topped with keyed oculi.

Inside, a north arcade from 1723 comprises six Tuscan columns on high plinths, supporting round arches. The nave and chancel share a continuous, flat plaster ceiling with a moulded cornice. The northern aisle has a 19th-century close-boarded roof with arched braces and pendants. The organ and an alabaster monument are located at the east end of the aisle. Significant amounts of old clear glass remain throughout the church.

A stylish 18th-century marble baluster font, with waterleaf decoration, is likely contemporary with the early 18th-century church remodelling, and a plain wooden 18th-century pulpit is also present. Modern screens of Classical character have been added. A notable monument is a 17th-century alabaster table tomb featuring effigies of Sir Thomas Skrymsher (1633) and his wife Anne (1656), created by Garrat Hollemans. The effigies are positioned beneath a flat canopy supported by four columns, and the couple’s children are represented along the side of the chest.

Garrat Hollemans was one of several alabasterers working out of Burton upon Trent in the 17th century. The Skrymsher family built the original Aqualate Hall to the south-east of Forton in the early 17th century.

The church’s significance lies in the combination of substantial early medieval fabric, including the 13th-century chancel and tower, alongside the high-quality 18th-century work to the south wall and the restrained interior features such as the plastered ceiling and Tuscan arcading. This blend of periods and artistic merit justifies its Grade II* listing.