Christ Church, Sowerby Bridge: A Winter Wonderland of History

Against a backdrop of snow-dusted hills and a brilliant blue sky, Christ Church in Sowerby Bridge stands as a magnificent sentinel. These images, captured on a crisp March day in 2018, show the church in a rare and beautiful state, its historic stone and Gothic features enhanced by a fresh layer of winter white.

A New Church for a Growing Town

Christ Church's story is one of community spirit and forward-thinking. Built in 1821 by architect John Oates, it was the culmination of over two decades of dedicated fundraising. The growing population of Sowerby Bridge had outstripped the capacity of the old Brigg Chapel, which had served the town since 1526, and a new, larger place of worship was needed.

Despite its completion in 1821, the church's official consecration was delayed until 1824, a small footnote in the grander tale of its creation. The photographs beautifully showcase the church's impressive architecture, from its towering steeple and clock face to the intricate detailing of its windows and buttresses.

A History of Adaptation and Resilience

Christ Church has not remained static since its construction. It has been remodelled, extended, and refurbished multiple times to meet the changing needs of its congregation. A particularly dramatic moment in its history occurred in 1895, when a fire ravaged the chancel, roof, and organ. The church was gutted but not defeated, and the community rallied once again to restore it to its former glory.

Inside, the church holds treasures from other nearby places of worship that have since closed. This practice of repurposing and relocating items speaks to the deep sense of history and continuity within the Anglican faith in this area, ensuring that pieces of the past are not lost but are given a new home and a new purpose.

The Story of the Graveyard

The churchyard has a history all its own. In 1857, the Secretary to Queen Victoria ordered its closure due to public health concerns and fears of disease. Despite this official order, burials are said to have continued for over a century, with the last known burial being John Eddie Bottomley in 1960. The images show the snow-covered landscape of the graveyard, a peaceful and sombre place that holds the final resting places of generations of Sowerby Bridge residents.

The view from above, overlooking the church and the snow-dusted landscape, is particularly striking. It frames Christ Church as a landmark, a prominent feature in the valley that has witnessed the town's evolution from a small settlement into a bustling community.

These photographs, taken with a Nikon d3300, capture not just a building, but a living piece of history. Christ Church, Sowerby Bridge, with its history of fundraising, fire, and resilience, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of its community, its story etched in stone, and its beauty enhanced by the quiet blanket of a winter's day.

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The Rochdale Canal once flowed through the junction pictured, with its church tower overlooking Lock Number 3. However, this section was infilled sometime in the late 1940s or early 1950s, and Tuel Lane was built over it.

The canal was successfully reopened in 1996, but a new approach was needed. A tunnel was constructed underneath the junction, and Locks 3 and 4 were replaced by the deepest canal lock in the United Kingdom, built a short distance to the west of the original Lock 3.

The steps leading up to the church are a recent addition, constructed as part of a road-widening project. The church clock was installed in 1839.

This photo wouldn't have been possible just a few years ago. The view was completely blocked by York House, a block of maisonettes with a poor reputation. The building was torn down around the turn of the millennium, and the area where it once stood is now an overgrown, abandoned plot.

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The Rochdale Canal from Lock 2 to Bridge 1A

On Sunday, April 10, 2022, I took a walk along a fascinating section of the Rochdale Canal in Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire. This stretch, running from Lock 2 to Bridge 1A, is a remarkable example of industrial heritage and engineering. It's an interesting walk, full of history and some unique features that really tell the story of this once-vital waterway.

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The Start of the Journey: Lock 2 and Christ Church

I began my walk at Lock 2. From here, you can look back along the canal, with the old warehouse buildings casting a long shadow on the still water. . This spot gives you a real sense of the canal's scale and its importance to the local industry. Looking the other way, the canal gently curves towards Sowerby Bridge, and in the distance, you can see the distinctive clock tower of Christ Church, Sowerby Bridge. . The church stands as a prominent landmark, watching over the canal.

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Tuel Lane Lock and the Tunnel

The most dramatic part of this walk is undoubtedly the approach to and passage through Tuel Lane Lock and Tuel Lane Tunnel. The lock itself is an impressive sight, a huge, deep chamber that is actually the deepest canal lock in the UK, at 20 feet (6.1 meters). . This immense depth was achieved by combining two old locks into a single one during restoration. The sheer scale of it is astonishing, and you can see the sturdy wooden gates and the intricate brickwork up close. .

The canal then disappears into the darkness of the Tuel Lane Tunnel. . Unlike most canal tunnels, which are long and go through hills, this one is quite short. It was built to bypass a road and a busy junction when the canal was reopened. It's a surreal experience to see the water simply vanish into the hillside, only to re-emerge a short distance away.

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The Final Stretch

As you walk alongside the lock and beyond the tunnel, the path continues towards Bridge 1A. This area is quite tranquil, a peaceful waterside path with the old buildings and greenery of Sowerby Bridge visible on either side. You can still see the last remaining bits of old infrastructure from the canal's working days, and it’s a great way to appreciate the town’s rich past.

This short but sweet section of the Rochdale Canal is a must-see for anyone interested in industrial history or a pleasant canal side walk. The combination of historic buildings, clever engineering, and serene scenery makes for a perfect Sunday stroll.

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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: A Winter's Tale

There's a special kind of quiet that settles over a churchyard in the winter, especially after a fresh snowfall. The air is crisp, the world is hushed, and the familiar landscape is transformed into something serene and timeless. I recently had the chance to visit Christ Church in Barkisland, a small village near Halifax, West Yorkshire, and found it to be the perfect subject for a winter photography session.

Built in 1852 on land donated by William Baxter of Barkisland Lower Hall, this Anglican church holds a tranquil history. A memorial inside the church honors Baxter, and the building itself is a testament to the work of the architects Mallinson and Healey, who were responsible for constructing about a dozen other churches in the area. Christ Church was granted Grade II listed status in 1984, recognizing its historical and architectural significance.

Wandering the grounds on a cold December day, I was struck by the contrast between the sharp angles of the Gothic Revival architecture and the soft blanket of snow covering the gravestones. The light caught the stone just right, highlighting its texture and creating a sense of warmth against the cold, winter sky. The snow-dusted tombstones stood like silent sentinels, each one telling a small part of the community's story.

The photos, taken on December 29, 2014, with a Polaroid is2132 bridge camera, capture this unique atmosphere. In both colour and black and white, the images show the church's charming details—the arched windows, the slate roof, and the simple yet elegant spire. This beautiful little church in Barkisland is a hidden gem, and seeing it cloaked in snow felt like capturing a piece of its history frozen in time.

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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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