Back in June 2015, armed with my Polaroid iS2132 bridge camera, I took a series of photographs around the exterior of Steep Lane Baptist Chapel in Sowerby, near Halifax. These images, rendered in a classic monochrome, perfectly capture the enduring character of this historic building and its picturesque Pennine setting.
Walking around chapels like this always sparks a sense of connection to the past, and Steep Lane is no exception. It's a place that tells a story not just of faith, but of community, industry, and the landscape itself.
A Beacon of Faith on the Hillside
The first image captures the chapel's impressive façade. Built of local stone, its Georgian-style architecture is both sturdy and elegant. Above the entrance, the inscription "BAPTIST CHAPEL" is clearly visible, along with the date of its construction or significant renovation. This chapel was built in 1808, replacing an earlier meeting house from 1754, making it a truly venerable institution in the area. The circular motif above the inscription, perhaps a sunburst or wheel, adds a touch of decorative flair.
The notice board on the right, even in monochrome, hints at the continued life within: "STEEP LANE BAPTIST CHAPEL, SOWERBY. Worshipping God for over 250 years." It’s incredible to think of the generations who have passed through those doors.
Resting in the Pennine Landscape
The other photographs provide a broader context, showcasing the chapel's relationship with its environment.
The Graveyard: The second image looks towards the side of the chapel, with its arched windows, framed by an ancient-looking graveyard. The old headstones, some leaning, some ornate, are testament to the countless lives connected to this chapel and the surrounding community. The long grass and wildflowers give it a natural, almost wild beauty.
Nestled in the Valley: The wider shots (Images 3 and 4) truly bring home the chapel's location. It sits proudly on the hillside, overlooking the vast, undulating landscape of the Pennine valleys. The drystone walls crisscrossing the fields, the distant farmhouses, and the scattered trees all paint a picture of rural England, yet still within sight of the industrial heartlands that once thrived nearby. The small houses with their characteristic stone roofs are typical of the Sowerby area.
Historical Footnotes
Steep Lane Baptist Chapel holds significant historical importance:
Early Nonconformity: Nonconformist chapels like Steep Lane were vital centres of community life in the industrialising North of England. They provided not only spiritual guidance but also education and social support for their congregations, many of whom were involved in the burgeoning textile industries of the region.
A Continuous Presence: For over two centuries, this chapel has served its community, witnessing immense change in Sowerby and beyond. Its continued presence is a testament to the enduring faith and spirit of the people who built and maintained it.
Capturing these images with a camera that itself feels a little nostalgic (a Polaroid bridge camera!) seems fitting for such a timeless subject. This collection of photographs isn't just about a building; it's about the history, the community, and the rugged beauty of a very special corner of Yorkshire.
Clicking any of the images above should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.
Please take a moment to share this post, follow me on social media, and explore my work on Clickasnap and Photo4Me using the links below. Your support means a lot!
All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.
