The ancient parishParish Area with its own church, served by a priest who has the spiritual care of all those living within it. The system evolved gradually, reaching completion by the 13th century church of St Michael and All Angels dates back, in foundation, to the Anglo-Saxon period, and has been developed and extended over successive centuries resulting in the beautiful Grade 1 building we see today. It offers a place of rest, beauty and sanctuarySanctuary The area around the main altar of a church. Sanctuaries in the Graeco-Roman world usually comprised a temple which housed the cult statue and votive offerings, and an outdoor space often planted with trees where prayer has been valid over many years.