Christ Church, Sowerby Bridge

 Christ Church is an Anglican place of worship in the town of Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire. Built in 1821 by John Oates to replace Brigg Chapel which had stood alongside the River Calder since 1526, the church was the result of over 20 years of fundraising to build the new place of worship for the growing town. Despite completion in 1821 Christ Church was not consecrated until 1824. It has been remodelled, extended and refurbished a number of times, lastly in 1895 after a fire gutted the chancel, roof and organ. 

A number of items inside the church have been taken from nearby churches and chapels after they were closed. The graveyard was closed in 1857 by order of the Secretary to Queen Victoria, due to fears of disease, despite this burials are said to have continued until 1960 with John Eddie Bottomley (1879-1960) the last known burial at Christ Church.

I took these pictures on the 18th March 2018 with a Nikon d3300.

The junction pictured used to be part of the Rochdale Canal, the church tower overlooking lock number 3. This was infilled sometime in the late 1940's. early 1950's and Tuel Lane built over it. The canal was reopened in 1996 when a tunnel was built underneath the junction and lock 3 and 4 were replaced by the deepest canal lock in the United Kingdom a short distance further west than the original lock 3.

The steps in front of the church are a recent edition, the road being recently widened here. The clock was added in 1839.

This picture would not have been possible for a number of years, the view would have been blocked by York House, a block of maisonette's that suffered from a poor reputation. They were demolished around the turn of the millennium, the area now overgrown and abandoned.

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The Rochdale Canal from Lock 2 to Bridge 1A

 The Rochdale Canal is one of my favourites to photograph and the section pictured in this post is near my house so I pass it quite often. The stretch from Sowerby Bridge Lock 2 to Bridge 1A is short section but passes through probably the most expensive to build part of the canal, Tuel Lane lock and Tunnel.

The Rochdale Canal was closed in 1952 and the section from bridge 1A Tower Hill to a spot between lock 2 and the Tuel lane Tunnel was infilled, A car park covering the section near the bridge and a grass embankment the tunnel entrance down from Wharf Street, the remaining section was covered by the new Tuel Lane - Wharf Street Junction. This saw the loss of a canal bridge carrying Wharf Street and 2 locks in this section of closed canal.

In the early 1990's work started to reopen this section of the Rochdale Canal with a tunnel under the new Tuel Lane -Wharf Street Junction and a new Lock 3/4 replacing the 2 locks lost when the canal closed. When the works was completed and canal reopened in April 1996 (officially May), lock 3/4 was now the deepest inland lock in the UK at a depth of 19ft 8inches, because of this the lock is manned and controlled by the lock keeper. Boats wishing to use the lock from the Sowerby Bridge Wharf side must get permission before entering Tuel Lane Tunnel, this is due to when the lock empties the waters can cause extreme turbulence inside the tunnel.

During the construction of Tuel Lane tunnel the old Wharf Street Canal Bridge was found to still be intact underneath the road, I believe this although strengthened is still visible just inside the tunnel mouth. Originally the bridge exited near to where the modern day traffic lights are situated between the Commercial Inn and Christ Church, the tunnel now stretchers for approx 340ft.

These pictures were taken on April 10th 2022 using a Nikon d3300SLR camera. They can be seen below and on Clickasnap full size, resolution and un-watermarked.

The original Wharf Street bridge can just be seen inside the tunnel.

The former Jolly Sailor Pub (closed 1939). The Building was once the caretakers residence
for Lock Hill Mills. The part of the mill that stood alongside was demolished
in the late 1990's, the red brick part of Lock Hill Mills still stands on the southern bank
of the River Calder. The Jolly Sailor is now a set of apartments.

The canal pictured from Wharf Street in the direction of Lock 2. The building to the left
is the Roxy a local nightspot thats started life as the Electric Cinema around the time
of World War 1. The cinema closed in 1963 and became a bingo and cafe, before eventually
becoming a nightclub - bar.

A view of Tuel Lane Lock and Christ Church Tower. I was just trying to get a different angle
of the lock and down in to the tunnel, taken from the LIDL supermarket car park.

Tuel Lane Tunnel entrance in to the lock.

Tuel Lane Lock, which is lock 3/4 on the Rochdale Canal replaced 2 locks on this
section of canal, lock 4 would have been just behind where I am stood, lock 3 was on the bend inside
the tunnel just in front of the church tower. These were infilled along with this section of canal after
closure in 1952. This was a car park with a disused theatre to my right when I was growing up 

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Christ Church, Barkisland - 29 December 2014

This set of pictures were taken in the grounds of Christ Church, Barkisland, Nr Halifax, West Yorkshire. The church is Anglican and was opened in 1852 on land donated by William Baxter who lived at the nearby Barkisland Lower Hall, there is a memorial dedicated to him within the church.

The Church was built by Mallinson and Healey who were responsible for the construction of around another dozen churches within the modern Calderdale area, Calderdale only coming in to existence as a borough on the 1st April 1974.  Christ Church was granted Grade II listed status on the 16th July 1984.

I took the pictures on the 29th December 2014 using a Polaroid is2132 bridge camera. They can be seen below or on Clickasnap where they are full size, resolution and un-watermarked.

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A Pennine Gem: Discovering Christ Church, Denshaw

Sometimes, the most enchanting discoveries happen when you least expect them. That's exactly what occurred on a sunny June afternoon in 2016, as I journeyed back from Manchester Airport, weaving my way through the picturesque Pennine landscape. My original plan was to explore the tranquil beauty of Dowry Reservoir, but fate had other plans. As I drove along Huddersfield Road, a striking silhouette caught my eye: Christ Church, Denshaw.

Standing proudly near the heart of the village, Christ Church is a testament to Victorian architectural prowess. Built by Henry Gartside and opened in 1863, this Anglican parish church exudes a sense of timeless serenity. Its solid stone construction and elegant spire pierce the Pennine sky, a beacon of faith and history.

The church's grounds, too, hold a special significance. Just inside the entrance gate, the Denshaw War Memorial stands as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by the village's sons. The juxtaposition of the peaceful church and the solemn memorial creates a powerful atmosphere, inviting reflection and remembrance.

It's no surprise that Christ Church was granted Grade II listed status on June 19th, 1967, a recognition of its architectural and historical importance. The intricate details of its exterior, the well-maintained grounds, and the sense of history that permeates the air all contribute to its unique charm.

The photographs I captured on that serendipitous day, June 25th, 2016, offer a glimpse into the beauty of Christ Church. From the majestic spire to the tranquil gardens, each image tells a story of a place where history and community intertwine.

I've included eight of those photos below, showcasing the exterior and grounds of this beautiful church. I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed discovering this hidden gem.

Christ Church, Denshaw, is more than just a building; it's a living piece of history, a place of peace, and a reminder of the enduring beauty of the Pennine landscape. If you ever find yourself travelling through this part of the world, I highly recommend taking a moment to explore this enchanting church and its surroundings. You never know what hidden treasures you might discover.

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