Resilience and Renewal: The Story of St. Michael's Church, Mytholmroyd

Nestled by the banks of the River Calder, St. Michael's Church in Mytholmroyd stands as a testament to both architectural heritage and community resilience. These images, captured in October 2013, show a church that is both a historical landmark and an integral part of the local landscape.

A Product of a Pious Plan

St. Michael's Church, officially known as Mytholmroyd Parish Church, was consecrated on September 8, 1848. Its very existence is tied to a significant piece of British history: the 1820 Church Building Act. This scheme, informally dubbed the "Million Pound Church Act," was a concerted effort by the government and public to construct new churches in areas of population growth, a response to a period of stagnation in church building since the early 18th century.

Funds for the project came from a combination of government contributions and public subscriptions, with a notable portion derived from the war indemnity collected after the Napoleonic Wars. This unique funding source led to these new churches being known by various names, including "Commissioners Churches" and "Waterloo Churches." St. Michael's, with its Gothic Revival style and sturdy stone construction, is a perfect example of this era of ecclesiastical architecture.

A History of Adaptation

Like many historic churches, St. Michael's has undergone changes to meet the needs of its community. The church was extended in 1888, and a two-story Sunday School was added soon after. This school building was later reduced to a single story and converted into the church hall in the 1970s, a practical adaptation that ensured the building remained a functional space for the congregation.

The photographs show the church and its sprawling graveyard, with gravestones of varying ages and styles, each a record of a life lived in Mytholmroyd. The path meanders through the markers, leading the eye to the imposing church tower, complete with its clock face, and the surrounding, verdant landscape of the Calder Valley.

Facing the Flood

A more recent and dramatic chapter in the church's history is its encounter with the devastating Boxing Day floods of 2015. The River Calder, usually a tranquil presence beside the church, rose to unprecedented levels, submerging the building under more than four feet of water. This was the most significant flooding St. Michael's had faced since the 1940s and led to a prolonged closure of nearly two years.

The community rallied around the church, however, demonstrating an incredible spirit of resilience. The extensive damage was repaired, and the church was rededicated and reopened, stronger than ever. This experience has led to a greater focus on flood prevention, with new work taking place along the riverbanks to protect the church and the wider community from future deluges.

The images from 2013, taken before this event, capture the church in a moment of peace, a beautiful reminder of the calm before the storm. They show the River Calder flowing serenely by, the church standing proudly on its bank, and the community it serves laid out before it. St. Michael's Church is more than a building; it is a symbol of faith, a repository of history, and a testament to the enduring spirit of Mytholmroyd.

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The River Calder flowing past St Michael's, a little over 2 years later the river burst its banks and rose to approx 4ft above the floor of the church. The buildings to the left were so severely damaged they were demolished shortly after and now it is an open space between Burnley Road and the River.

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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

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St. Mary the Virgin, Kirkby Lonsdale: A Timeless Sentinel Over the Lune

Perched majestically above the meandering River Lune in the charming Cumbrian town of Kirkby Lonsdale stands St. Mary the Virgin, the Parish Church whose very stones whisper tales of centuries past. Officially known by its graceful name, this Grade I listed Anglican place of worship isn't just a building; it's a living chronicle of architectural evolution, community spirit, and unwavering faith.

A Tapestry of Time: Architectural Evolution

The church we see today has graced its elevated site since the 12th century, with remarkable remnants of its original Norman architecture still evident, particularly in the impressive nave arcades. Imagine the skilled hands that first laid these stones, shaping a sacred space that has endured for over 800 years.

However, St. Mary's isn't a static monument to one era. Its history is a fascinating journey of adaptation and expansion, reflecting changing architectural styles and the growing needs of its congregation. In the 14th century, the church underwent a significant transformation. The north and south walls were extended outwards, broadening the nave and creating a more expansive interior. This medieval modification speaks to a period of prosperity and increased devotion in Kirkby Lonsdale.

The early 16th century brought further embellishments, adding a touch of late medieval grandeur. A new clerestory was introduced, raising the roofline and flooding the interior with more light. Pinnacles and battlements adorned the exterior, giving the church a more imposing and decorative profile, typical of the Perpendicular Gothic style.

Yet, as architectural tastes shifted, so did the church's appearance. The 19th century ushered in an era of significant restoration and remodelling. In 1807, a new roof was added, and interestingly, the clerestory, pinnacles, and battlements from the 16th century were removed, perhaps deemed unfashionable or structurally unsound at the time.

The most extensive transformation, however, occurred in 1866 under the renowned architect E.G. Paley. Paley's work was comprehensive; he once again raised the roof, creating a more lofty and inspiring space. He re-floored the chancel, enhancing the area around the altar, and added a south porch, providing a grander and more welcoming entrance. These Victorian-era changes reflect the High Church movement's influence and a desire for more elaborate and reverent worship spaces.

Echoes of History in the Churchyard

Beyond the magnificent church building, the grounds of St. Mary's hold their own historical treasures. A number of Grade II listed monuments dot the churchyard, each telling a personal story of lives lived and remembered in Kirkby Lonsdale. These gravestones, with their weathered inscriptions, offer a poignant connection to generations past.

One particularly intriguing feature within the church grounds is a two-storey octagonal stone gazebo. Thought to date from the late 18th century, this charming structure adds a unique architectural flourish. Interestingly, it wasn't originally built on this spot; it was moved to its current location to the north of St. Mary's from the garden of the vicarage. This relocation speaks to a deliberate effort to preserve and integrate local historical elements into the church's wider precinct. Perhaps it served as a quiet retreat for contemplation for the vicar, or a picturesque folly in a grand garden, now offering a glimpse into the leisure and design sensibilities of a bygone era.

A Glimpse from 2015

The accompanying photographs, captured on April 4th, 2015, with a Polaroid is2132 camera, offer a specific snapshot in time of this remarkable church. While the images themselves may be from a particular moment, the essence of St. Mary the Virgin – its enduring beauty, rich history, and spiritual significance – remains timeless. Clicking any of the images should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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