Church Bank: A Cobbled Journey Through Sowerby Bridge's Past

Nestled on the hillside of Sowerby Bridge, amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life, lies Church Bank – a beautifully cobbled road that whispers tales of a bygone era. Once a vital artery connecting the upper reaches of the town with the bustling Wharf Street below, Church Bank today offers a tranquil, almost hidden, pedestrian and cyclist's escape.

These evocative images, captured on a bright April day in 2022 with a Nikon D3300 SLR, invite us to explore this fascinating thoroughfare and uncover its rich history.

A Route Reimagined

Looking at the images, particularly, you can clearly see the charming cobblestones that define this route. Once, these very cobbles would have echoed with the clip-clop of hooves and the rumble of carts, serving as one of the primary arteries linking the hillside to the industrial heart of Sowerby Bridge at Wharf Street.

However, Church Bank's status as a main vehicular access route came to an end in the 1950s. This period saw significant changes to the local landscape, most notably the extension of Tuel Lane and the infilling of sections of the Rochdale Canal. Around this time, local authority housing was constructed on the Church Bank hillside, leading to the road's closure to through traffic.

Today, while cars can still access a portion of Church Bank from Wharf Street, the connection to Church View - Sunnybank Street is now exclusively for pedestrians and cyclists, as evident in the pictures, which shows the narrow, walled section leading to the upper street. This transformation has allowed Church Bank to retain its historic charm, offering a peaceful ascent or descent away from the main roads.

Orrell House: A Landmark on the Rise

As you make your way up Church Bank, approximately a quarter of the way, you encounter Orrell House, occupying a unique plot of land nestled between Church Bank and Grange Place. For many years, Orrell House served the community as a doctor's surgery, a place of healing and care. More recently, it has been transformed into a private residence, though its grand facade still speaks of its significant past.

Towards Christ Church: A Glimpse of Grandeur

The cobbled path continues, lined with mature trees, eventually opening up to reveal the magnificent tower of Christ Church. This view beautifully illustrates how Church Bank once directly led to the church, underscoring its historical importance as a direct link for parishioners and residents. The bare branches of the trees in this spring shot hint at the seasonal beauty that transforms this path throughout the year.

Church Bank, then, is more than just a cobbled path; it's a living piece of Sowerby Bridge's heritage. It's a reminder of how towns evolve, how old routes adapt, and how, even in the midst of change, pockets of historical charm can be preserved. Next time you're in Sowerby Bridge, take a moment to explore Church Bank – you'll be walking through history, one cobblestone at a time.

Clicking any of the images below should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

Taken from the bottom of Church Bank, with Wharf Street behind me, Orrell House
is largely hidden from view to the right of the picture.

Taken from the top of Church Bank, Sunnybank Street behind me and Church
View to my right. Christ Church can be seen in the centre of the image.

About half way up or down, Church View can be seen to the left.

Looking down with Wharf Street Visible, Orrell House is
hidden behind the wall to my left.

Again about half way up or down depending on your perspective,
it's hard to believe this was once a busy route in to town.

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A Stroll Through Ripponden: Cobbles, History, and St. Bartholomew's Church

Nestled in the heart of the Ryburn Valley, the charming village of Ripponden in West Yorkshire holds a wealth of history, architectural beauty, and intriguing local lore. Join us as we explore its cobbled lanes and delve into the story of its iconic parish church, St. Bartholomew's, through the lens of photographs taken on a spring day in 2017.

The Charm of Ripponden Cobbles: Priest Lane

Our journey begins on a short, historic road known as Priest Lane, often affectionately referred to as the "Ripponden cobbles." This picturesque thoroughfare descends from the bustling A58 Halifax Road, guiding you past the welcoming embrace of the Old Bridge Inn, before gracefully crossing the River Ryburn and culminating near the venerable St. Bartholomew's Church.

The accompanying image, captured just beyond the Old Bridge Inn and looking upwards towards the A58, perfectly encapsulates the timeless appeal of this cobbled ascent. The weathered stone walls, some adorned with railings, speak of centuries of foot traffic, while the sturdy stone buildings flanking the lane stand as silent sentinels to the village's enduring character. It's a pathway that evokes a sense of stepping back in time, where every stone tells a story.

St. Bartholomew's Church: A Sanctuary Reborn Through Centuries

A focal point of Ripponden's history and community is St. Bartholomew's Church. While it technically occupies a site within what was historically the township of Barkisland, it is now firmly considered an integral part of Ripponden, with Barkisland itself perched on the nearby hills overlooking the village.

The history of worship on this sacred ground is a testament to resilience. The very first place of worship here was a modest chapel, consecrated in 1465. This was followed by a much larger church built in 1610. However, fate intervened in 1722 when the River Ryburn, usually a gentle presence, unleashed a devastating flood. The waters rose by an astonishing 20 feet, inflicting severe damage on the 1610 church, sweeping away several graves, and tragically claiming the lives of 15 local residents.

Undeterred, a third church rose from the foundations in 1731. This structure served the community until 1867, when its roof fell into such disrepair that the building had to be closed and subsequently demolished. The current, magnificent St. Bartholomew's Church, designed and built by George Shaw of Saddleworth, finally opened its doors in June 1870.

The church has witnessed its share of drama even in its modern form. In 1876, repairs were needed for the belfry after sparks from a fire at the nearby Ripponden Mill reached the tower. Since then, the changes have been minor, with windows replaced and a new organ installed, preserving its historical integrity while ensuring its continued functionality.

One delightful piece of local folklore surrounds the church clock. Legend has it that the people of Barkisland once refused to contribute to the cleaning of the church clock. As a result, the clock face looking towards Barkisland remains perpetually uncleaned – a charming reminder of community dynamics and perhaps a touch of playful rivalry!

The photographs of St. Bartholomew's, taken from various vantage points, beautifully showcase its imposing spire, the intricate stonework, and its serene setting amidst the lush greenery and the gentle flow of the River Ryburn. One image, framed by the branches of nearby trees, perfectly captures the church's enduring presence within the natural landscape. Another, in a sepia tone, lends a timeless, almost nostalgic feel to the grand edifice, hinting at the many generations it has served.

These images, captured on April 29, 2017, with a Nikon D3300, offer a glimpse into the heart of Ripponden – a place where history resonates through its cobbled streets and where a beautiful church stands as a testament to centuries of faith and community spirit. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a lover of charming villages, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, Ripponden offers a captivating journey through time.

The church pictured from across the River Ryburn near to
the Old Bridge Inn. The river rose over 20 feet in 1722.

The church pictured from the B6113 Elland Road (Ripponden Bank).The dirty
Barkisland facing clock face can be seen on the right of the spire.

The church pictured from the abandoned Rishworth Branch Line

Clicking any image 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.