Heptonstall and the Old Grammar School

On a grey, autumnal day in November 2013, a Samsung Galaxy tablet captured a series of images that perfectly encapsulate the enduring charm and rich history of Heptonstall, a village perched on the hills above Hebden Bridge in West Yorkshire. The subject of these photos, the Heptonstall Museum, is more than just a building; it's a Grade II-listed testament to centuries of change, a cornerstone of a community steeped in history.

The building that now houses the museum has had a fascinating journey through time. Its origins trace back to around 1600, when it was constructed not as a place of learning, but as a warehouse. This was a time when the woollen trade was the lifeblood of the Pennines, and Heptonstall was a bustling centre for handloom weaving. You can still see hints of this industrial past in the large first-floor windows of many local cottages, designed to maximise the light for the weavers working within.

In 1771, the building was given a new purpose when it was converted into the Heptonstall Grammar School. The photos from 2013 show the solid stone structure and classic architecture, elements that have witnessed generations of students passing through its doors. The school served the community until its closure in 1889. While the modern world moved on, the building's story didn't end there. For a time, it housed the Yorkshire Penny Bank, before finally reopening its doors in August 1972 as the Heptonstall Museum.

The museum today is a treasure trove of local history, offering a window into the past. It tells the story of the village's prehistoric beginnings and its role in significant events, including the Battle of Heptonstall during the English Civil War in 1643. One of the most captivating exhibits delves into the notorious Cragg Vale Coiners, a gang of counterfeiters who plagued the area in the 18th century. Their leader, "King" David Hartley, is buried in the nearby churchyard—one of the many historical figures whose stories are woven into the fabric of Heptonstall.

Speaking of the churchyard, it is perhaps one of the most unique in the country. It is home to not one, but two churches. The ruins of the Church of St Thomas a Becket, founded in the 13th century and severely damaged in a storm in 1847, stand as a hauntingly beautiful shell. Just yards away, the newer St Thomas the Apostle church, built in the 1850s, stands proudly, a symbol of resilience. This dual churchyard is also the final resting place of American poet Sylvia Plath, a poignant connection to the wider literary world.

The Heptonstall Museum, housed in its old grammar school building, serves as a perfect starting point for exploring this remarkable village. It's a place where the past isn't just displayed, it's alive in the very stones of the building and the stories they tell.

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Exploring the Unseen Heptonstall: A Walk Through History and Charm

Perched high above the Calder Valley, the ancient village of Heptonstall is a place of profound history and quiet beauty. While many visitors flock to its famous landmarks—the Ruined Church and its replacement—this collection of photographs, taken on a clear July day in 2020, offers a different perspective, focusing on the hidden corners and everyday charm of this historic settlement.

A Glimpse into Village Life

Heptonstall is not just a tourist destination; it is a living, breathing village of approximately 1,400 people. Its history is deeply rooted in the textile industry, particularly hand-loom weaving, a tradition that shaped the village’s unique architecture. The pictures capture this character beautifully, from the cobbled streets of Towngate to the sturdy stone houses that have stood for centuries.

One image shows a classic red telephone box, a vibrant splash of colour against the backdrop of a well-kept garden. This iconic symbol of British life, now a rare sight, feels perfectly at home in Heptonstall's timeless setting. Another shot frames a charming row of buildings on Towngate, including the village's post office, with its traditional signage and hanging baskets, a testament to the community spirit that keeps this place alive.

The Stories in the Stone

The houses themselves tell stories. One particularly grand building on Towngate, with its large windows and elegant stonework, stands out as a former high-status dwelling, perhaps a merchant's house from the village's prosperous past. Another photograph shows the former grammar school, now the Heptonstall Museum, its plain, solid facade a symbol of the importance of education in this community. The simple yet striking stonework of these buildings highlights the craftsmanship that went into their construction.

The village's narrow, winding streets feel like a journey back in time, a feeling enhanced by the lack of modern clutter. Heptonstall has featured in a number of TV shows, including the recent Shane Meadows drama The Gallows Pole, a story about the Cragg Vale Coiners. It is a fitting location for such a tale, as the leader of the coiners, "King" David Hartley, is buried in the village churchyard—a grim piece of history that adds another layer to the village's already-rich tapestry.

These photographs reveal the quieter side of Heptonstall, the side that locals and long-time visitors know well. They show a village that has adapted to modern life without losing its soul. Heptonstall remains a favorite spot for hikers and history buffs, a place where every cobbled street and every stone wall has a tale to tell. It is a village that lives up to its reputation as a stunning, historic gem in the heart of the Calder Valley.

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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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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.