Heptonstall's 2 Church Yard

The village of Heptonstall boasts a unique claim to fame: two churches, both dedicated to St Thomas, stand intertwined in a single churchyard. Today, we delve into the intriguing history of these two, the Church of St Thomas a Becket and it's replacement, the Church of St Thomas the Apostle.

The Church of St Thomas a Becket.

Built between 1256 and 1260, the church witnessed centuries of life in the village. Its sturdy walls echoed with prayers, celebrations, and quiet moments of contemplation. Additions and alterations over time gave it a distinctive character, boasting two naves, aisles, chantry chapels, and a towering presence.

Fate, however, intervened in 1847 when a fierce storm ripped through the church, damaging it beyond repair. The community eventually embraced a new chapter. By 1854, a new church, St Thomas the Apostle, rose nearby, leaving the older structure to stand as a poignant reminder of what was.

Today, the ruins of St Thomas a Becket, carefully maintained and open to the public, offer a glimpse into the past. Crumbling arches frame the sky, weathered stones whisper tales of bygone days, and the silence holds a unique resonance. Occasionally, open-air services breathe life into these historical vestiges, creating a link between the past and present.

But the story of St Thomas a Becket extends beyond the physical structure. It's woven into the fabric of Heptonstall, intertwined with the lives of its residents and visitors. For some, it's a place of quiet reflection; for others, it's a source of historical intrigue; and for many, a symbol of the village's resilience and evolving identity.

The church of St Thomas the Apostle

Rising beside it stands the current church, completed in 1854. Its Victorian Gothic architecture exudes a sense of grandeur, boasting stained-glass windows that bathe the interior in a kaleidoscope of light. Each intricately designed panel tells a story, inviting contemplation and reflection.

Beyond its physical beauty, St. Thomas holds a special place in the hearts of the Heptonstall community. Regular services provide a space for spiritual sustenance and connection, while events like the Pennine Spring Music Festival fill the air with vibrant melodies.

But the church's reach extends further. The churchyard, too, plays a significant role, serving as the final resting place for notable figures like the poet Sylvia Plath and the Notoriuos "king" David Hartley, leader of the Cragg Vale Coiners, adding another layer to the rich tapestry of stories woven around the church.

I took these pictures on July 11, 2020, with a Nikon D3300.

The Parish Church of St Thomas the Apostle. The graveyard which surrounds both churches is said to hold the remains of over 100000. This burial ground was closed to new interments in 1915 and a new one opened nearby on land gifted by Gamaliel Sutcliffe.

The remains of the Parish Church of St Thomas a Becket.

The new church pictured from the doorway of the old church.

The pinnacle struck by lightening in 1875, stands outside the church as a monument to the night it fell from the tower.

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Fiery Sky at the Ruins of the Church of St Thomas a Becket, Heptonstall

The picture below is the result of a little tinkering with replacing a washed-out overcast sky in a picture I took in November 2013 with a more adventurous sunset-type sky.

The picture shows the inside of the ruined church of St. Thomas a Becket, Heptonstall, a church built on the site of an earlier one in the 15th century. The church was damaged beyond repair in the 19th century and replaced by the Church of St. Thomas the Apostle, which occupies the same grounds as its predecessor.

I took the original pre-edited version of the picture on November 16, 2016 with a Samsung Galaxy Tablet; it can be seen un-watermarked on Clickasnap by clicking the image. The link opens in another window.

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Heptonstall Randoms Around Towngate July 2020

The village of Heptonstall occupies a small spot on the hill overlooking the Calder Valley and Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire. The town is home to approximately 1400 people, and traditionally, the village's industry was hand-loom weaving. The village is a favourite spot with hikers and has featured in a number of TV shows in recent years, including the recent Shane Meadows drama The Gallows Pole, a story about the Cragg Vale Coiners, whose leader, "King" David Hartley, is buried in the churchyard.

The pictures below were taken at various locations around the town and don't feature the usual locations shown: the Wesleyan Chapel, the Ruined Church, and its replacement. I have posted my pictures of them in earlier posts. They were taken using a Nikon D3300 on July 11, 2020.

The phone box found towards the lower end of Hetonstall is now I am told used as a library by the local community.

Towngate is the main route through the centre of the village.

The village's post office.

34 Towngate.

41A Towngate. The passge to the right leads to the former grammar school and museum and runs past the churchyard.

The grammar school and museum buildings, the fence to the right surrounds the lower part of the churchyard.

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Heptonstall Randoms November 2013

 The village of Heptonstall occupies a small spot on the hill overlooking the Calder Valley and Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire. The town is home to approx 1400 people and traditionally the villages industry was hand-loom weaving. The village is a favourite spot with hikers and has featured in a number of TV shows in recent years including the recent Shane Meadows drama The Gallows Pole, a story about the Cragg Vale Coiners who's leader "King" David Hartley is buried in the churchyard.

The pictures below were taken at various locations around the town and don't feature the usual locations shown, the Wesleyan Chapel, The Ruined Church and it's replacement. I have posted my pictures of them in earlier post's. They were taken using a Samsung Galaxy Tablet on the 16th November 2013.

The Museum Snicket runs from Towngate alongside The Cloth Hall towards the Museum and Churchyard, which is to the right behind the metal raillings.

The Cloth Hall on towngate was built around 1545 by the Waterhouse family who lived at Shibden Hall, Halifax. The building was originally single story and known as Blackwell Hall, it was used by local hand-loom weavers to sell their cloth. The 2nd story was added around 1766 by John Uttley, and remained in use for traders until the Piece Hall was opened at Halifax in 1779. It is now a private residence and was granted Grade 11 Listed Status in December 1984.

Towngate is the main road through the village and features at least 15 Listed Buildings along it's length. The stone sets on the road were rediscovered in the 1980's, a plan to replace them was thought off by local residents and they were restored, it is now seen as helping to calm traffic down through the village.

The village water pump was replaced by a public water supply in July 1933.

Bottom of Towngate.

I think I took these last 2 somewhere near the church and museum, the bottom picture I would have thought must be amongst the oldest properties in the village.

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Town Gate, Heptonstall and Hebden Bridge Signal Box Artworks.

 Created by me based on 2 pictures I took in November 2013 are these images of Town Gate the main road through the village of Heptonstall and the signal box at Hebden Bridge Railway Station. Both can also be seen on Clickasnap un-watermarked.

The versions shown here are watermarked and lower resolution. Clicking either image should open a link in another window to the Clickasnap version.

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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Hardcastle Crags: A Local Treasure Set 3.

Nestled in the heart of West Yorkshire, near the charming town of Hebden Bridge, lies a hidden gem: Hardcastle Crags. This enchanting wooded valley, also known as Hebden Dale, is a haven for nature lovers, hikers, and families seeking a breath of fresh air. Owned and managed by the National Trust, Hardcastle Crags offers a tranquil escape into a world of lush greenery, tumbling streams, and fascinating history.

From the moment you step into the valley, you'll be captivated by its beauty. The towering trees create a verdant canopy overhead, dappling the sunlight that filters through to the forest floor. The air is filled with the soothing sounds of the Hebden Water as it rushes and tumbles along the valley bottom, carving its way through the landscape.

Hardcastle Crags is a place for exploration. Whether you're looking for a challenging hike or a gentle stroll, there are paths to suit every ability. The network of trails winds through the valley, offering stunning views of the crags themselves – dramatic rock formations that jut out from the hillside, showcasing the power of nature. Keep an eye out for the diverse flora and fauna that call this valley home; from vibrant wildflowers to the elusive kingfisher, there's always something to discover.

A highlight of any visit to Hardcastle Crags is Gibson Mill. This fascinating 19th-century mill, now a visitor centre, offers a glimpse into the area's industrial past. Learn about the mill's history and the lives of the people who worked there, and perhaps even enjoy a refreshing cup of tea in the cafe. The mill is a perfect spot to take a break during your explorations and soak in the tranquil atmosphere.

The beauty and importance of Hardcastle Crags haven't gone unnoticed over the years. It's a testament to the power of community that this precious landscape has been protected from development. The valley has been the subject of reservoir proposals on several occasions, but thanks to the tireless efforts of local residents and conservationists, these plans have been successfully fought off, preserving this natural wonderland for generations to come.

Hardcastle Crags is more than just a pretty place; it's a vital part of the local ecosystem and a cherished space for the community. It's a place to connect with nature, to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life, and to appreciate the simple beauty of the natural world.

Planning your visit:

• Location: Near Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire
• Managed by: National Trust
• Highlights: Woodland walks, Hebden Water, Gibson Mill, stunning crags
• Perfect for: Hiking, family days out, nature lovers
• Don't forget: Your walking boots!

So, whether you're a seasoned hiker or simply looking for a peaceful escape, make sure to add Hardcastle Crags to your list. You won't be disappointed by the magic that awaits you in this beautiful corner of West Yorkshire.

Taken on September 10th, 2016 with a Nikon d3300 SLR camera. The picture i took have been split into 3 sets, this is set 3. Clicking any image below should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

Gibson Mill

Thanks for looking, please take a moment to follow me and share on social media and check out my portfolio on Photo4Me via the link below.

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Nature's Masterpiece: Hardcastle Crags Set 2

Nestled in the heart of West Yorkshire, near the charming town of Hebden Bridge, lies a hidden gem: Hardcastle Crags. This enchanting wooded valley, also known as Hebden Dale, is a haven for nature lovers, hikers, and families seeking a breath of fresh air. Owned and managed by the National Trust, Hardcastle Crags offers a tranquil escape into a world of lush greenery, tumbling streams, and fascinating history.

From the moment you step into the valley, you'll be captivated by its beauty. The towering trees create a verdant canopy overhead, dappling the sunlight that filters through to the forest floor. The air is filled with the soothing sounds of the Hebden Water as it rushes and tumbles along the valley bottom, carving its way through the landscape.

Hardcastle Crags is a place for exploration. Whether you're looking for a challenging hike or a gentle stroll, there are paths to suit every ability. The network of trails winds through the valley, offering stunning views of the crags themselves – dramatic rock formations that jut out from the hillside, showcasing the power of nature. Keep an eye out for the diverse flora and fauna that call this valley home; from vibrant wildflowers to the elusive kingfisher, there's always something to discover.

A highlight of any visit to Hardcastle Crags is Gibson Mill. This fascinating 19th-century mill, now a visitor centre, offers a glimpse into the area's industrial past. Learn about the mill's history and the lives of the people who worked there, and perhaps even enjoy a refreshing cup of tea in the cafe. The mill is a perfect spot to take a break during your explorations and soak in the tranquil atmosphere.

The beauty and importance of Hardcastle Crags haven't gone unnoticed over the years. It's a testament to the power of community that this precious landscape has been protected from development. The valley has been the subject of reservoir proposals on several occasions, but thanks to the tireless efforts of local residents and conservationists, these plans have been successfully fought off, preserving this natural wonderland for generations to come.

Hardcastle Crags is more than just a pretty place; it's a vital part of the local ecosystem and a cherished space for the community. It's a place to connect with nature, to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life, and to appreciate the simple beauty of the natural world.

Planning your visit:

• Location: Near Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire
• Managed by: National Trust
• Highlights: Woodland walks, Hebden Water, Gibson Mill, stunning crags
• Perfect for: Hiking, family days out, nature lovers
• Don't forget: Your walking boots!

So, whether you're a seasoned hiker or simply looking for a peaceful escape, make sure to add Hardcastle Crags to your list. You won't be disappointed by the magic that awaits you in this beautiful corner of West Yorkshire.

Taken on September 10th, 2016 with a Nikon d3300 SLR camera. The picture i took have been split into 3 sets, this is set 2. Clicking any image below should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

Widdop Road Bridge.

Gibson Mill

Thanks for looking, please take a moment to share and follow me on social media and check out my portfolio on Photo4Me via the link below.

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.