800-900 AD the area; like many others, was overrun by the Danish, and it was these
new settlers that gave the area its name. Originally Wykestow (The place of wet situation)
the name became shortened over time to Wistow. 1216 AD shows the first documented
evidence of a cleric being present, with the Archbishop Gray of York giving a prebend
to Wistow. Wistow being a Peculiar (a church or parish exempt from jurisdiction
of the Bishop with subject to another authority, probably the Dean and Chapter of
York) when one considers that the authority of the Archbishops and Bishops of the
time was very great, almost equal to that of a King, the facts would indicate that
the church of Wistow was of a sufficiently important one to be freed from the Archbishops
jurisdiction.
Records show a chapel in the area in 1474 but this was for an appeal to carry out
repairs. Clearly these were not undertaken as in 1484 records state “the chapel is
now in ruins” The chapel probably stood were the chancel is today in All Saints church
in its present form. Many curious features adorn the present church and may be due
to the use of reclaimed stone from the old chapel.
