St Wilfrid's Church

About Us

Pool Church is dedicated to St, Wilfrid, the Patron Saint of Ripon. The Will of William Smythe of Pool, written in 1538, proves that the original dedication was to St Swithin.

Christianity arrived early in this part of Yorkshire due to the influence of Ripon and St. Wilfrid. Otley became the centre of Christianity in Wharfedale and was the property of the Archbishop. Otley Parish Church was to  remain the mother church of Pool for a thousand years.

"Pouele" (Pool) is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1087 as part of the Liberty of Otley held by the Archbishop. He was Lord of the Manor of Pool. Probably a "cell" was erected in the village. The religious houses of Fountains and Bolton influenced the village, while the Monks of Kirkstall and the Nuns of Arthington held land here. In the sixteenth century we discover evidence of clergy working in the village.

It is suggested that the old chapel was built prior to 1649. In 1840 the chapel was rebuilt with extensions, including the tower and clock. In 1890-91 the Apse was built.