Most stone altars were removed from Anglican churches during the reformation so it is remarkable that this one has remained in tact.  When the priory was restored in the 1980s this stone was recognised as being a former alter stone.  It had at one time been used as a tombstone and the large square that can be seen is where a brass plaque was mounted when it was used as such. The brass plaque can be seen on the wall above the altar.

On the centre of this square there is a deep indentation where it is thought that a sacred relic may have been housed and covered by a stone ’seal’.  Five crosses, blessed with holy oil at the consecration of the altar are cut out, one in each corner and one to the centre right of the stone.  They represent the five wounds in the body of the crucified and risen Christ.

What a debt we owe, however, to Prior Moone, who, with great foresight, made pastoral provision for the 200 or so people who worshipped in the nave by securing that nave intact for them as their new local church! So, with, new clergy, a new English Bible, new forms of worship and a new east wall blocking off the now ruined choir, the people quietly continued to worship and trust in God. *

Today the Priory Church is a thriving Church of England parish church.

*From the Bolton Abbey guidebook.

Their priory was built in a prime position on the banks of the River Wharfe and today the ruins look very picturesque in this setting:

Remarkably, the east end gable has survived to full height, as well as a considerable section of the north transept. This great building was constructed in various stages over a period of some 350 years, progress often halted by invasion, poverty, sickness, and the severity of northern winters. Consequently, the west tower – still under construction at the time of the Dissolution – was never completed. Little evidence remains of the monastic outbuildings but the claustral range foundations can still be identified. The Chapter House was of octagonal design and must have presented a wonderful sight in this quiet, valley setting. Sadly, all that survives today is the arched entrance of the Chapter House passage.