St Asaph Parish Church: A Historic Gem in North Wales

St Asaph Parish Church, also known as the Church of St Kentigern and St Asa (Asaph) is a captivating place of worship located in the picturesque town of St Asaph, North Wales. With its rich history and stunning architecture, this church is a must-visit for anyone exploring the region.

A Brief History

The history of St Asaph Parish Church dates back to the 6th century when St Kentigern is believed to have established a church on the site, the dedication to St Asaph was added in the 12th Century. Over the centuries, the church has undergone various renovations and additions, resulting in its unique blend of architectural styles.

Community Hub

St Asaph Parish Church is not only a place of religious worship but also a vibrant community hub. The church hosts a variety of events and activities throughout the year, including concerts, exhibitions, and social gatherings. It's a place where people can come together to connect, learn, and celebrate.

Whether you're a history buff, a spiritual seeker, or simply looking for a beautiful place to visit, St Asaph Parish Church is well worth a visit. Its rich history, stunning architecture, and welcoming atmosphere make it a truly special place.

I visited on a July morning, venturing to the charming city of St Asaph, North Wales to explore amongst many things, the Parish Church of St Asaph. Though the interior was closed, the church's exterior was a sight to behold, nestled on a small plot of land to the east of the River Elwy, commanding attention from the High Street. The photo's below, taken with a Nikon d3300, offer a glimpse of its grandeur. Clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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St. James the Great: A Timeless Sentinel in Hebden Bridge

Nestled amidst the picturesque, rolling hills of the Calder Valley, the Church of St. James the Great stands as a silent witness to nearly two centuries of history. Affectionately known to locals as Hebden Bridge Parish Church or Mytholm Church, this Grade II listed Anglican place of worship is about to celebrate a remarkable milestone: its 190th anniversary this October.

These images, captured on a crisp November day in 2013, offer a glimpse into the enduring charm of this historic building. The late autumn light, a mix of brilliant sunshine and soft cloud cover, beautifully illuminates the church’s weathered stone facade and the vibrant foliage of the surrounding trees.

A Product of a Pious Era

The story of St. James the Great is inextricably linked to a significant moment in British history—the Million Pound Act. This government initiative, designed to provide places of worship in rapidly growing industrial areas, led to the construction of numerous churches across the country. St. James the Great was a beneficiary of this scheme, built at a cost of £2,700 and consecrated on October 5, 1833. It’s a testament to the foresight of its creators and the burgeoning faith of the community it was built to serve.

Initially a chapelry within the Parish of Heptonstall, St. James the Great gained its own identity when the Parish of Hebden Bridge was established in 1844. This marked a new chapter for the church, solidifying its role as the spiritual heart of the community.

Architectural Evolution

Like many historic buildings, St. James the Great has evolved over time. While the original structure was a solid example of early 19th-century church architecture, it was significantly enlarged in 1876 with the addition of a chancel. The pictures show this blend of architectural styles, a subtle harmony between the original design and later modifications. The last major alterations were made to the tower in the early 1980s, ensuring the church's structural integrity for future generations.

The stunning stained glass windows, visible in some of the images, are all from the 1870s. Their rich colours and intricate designs tell their own stories, filtering light into the hallowed interior and adding a layer of visual splendour.

A Place of Remembrance

The churchyard itself is a poignant and peaceful space. It is home to a stone cross war memorial, a solemn tribute to the local men who made the ultimate sacrifice during the First World War. The memorial stands as a constant reminder of the community's history and resilience. An additional memorial is located inside the church, ensuring that their names and memory are forever honoured.

As you wander through the rows of gravestones, some worn with age and others still bearing clear inscriptions, you can feel the weight of history all around you. Each stone marks a life lived, a story told, and a connection to this place. The churchyard, with its moss-covered headstones and towering trees, is a place of quiet reflection and deep reverence.

An Enduring Presence

These photographs, taken a decade ago with a Samsung Galaxy Tablet, capture not just a building, but the soul of a place. They show a church that is both imposing and welcoming, a landmark that has been an integral part of Hebden Bridge's landscape for almost 190 years.

As St. James the Great prepares to celebrate its anniversary, we are reminded of its enduring significance. It is more than just a place of worship; it is a symbol of community, a repository of memory, and a beautiful piece of architectural heritage. Its stones hold the stories of generations, and as it enters its 190th year, it continues to be a steadfast beacon for the people of Hebden Bridge.

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

Built using Yorkshire Stone and rising 14ft high, this memorial is dedicated to the men killed from the local area in World War 1.

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The Enduring Mystery of Settle Parish Church: A Glimpse into the Holy Ascension

Nestled in the heart of Settle, a charming market town in North Yorkshire, stands a building of quiet dignity and intriguing history: Settle Parish Church, officially known as the Church of the Holy Ascension. While its presence is a familiar landmark for locals and a picturesque addition to the town's landscape for visitors, delving deeper into its past reveals a captivating story, albeit one shrouded in a surprising lack of readily available information.

A Rickman Masterpiece in the Dales

The Church of the Holy Ascension bears the distinctive architectural stamp of Thomas Rickman, a name that resonates with those familiar with ecclesiastical architecture of the early 19th century. Rickman, a Quaker convert and a pioneer in the study of Gothic architecture, is credited with establishing the system of classifying Gothic styles (Norman, Early English, Decorated, and Perpendicular) that is still widely used today. His designs, often characterized by their elegant simplicity and adherence to Gothic principles, were a significant departure from the more classical styles prevalent at the time.

The consecration of Settle Parish Church on October 26th, 1838, marked a significant moment for the community. Imagine the scene: the excited congregation, the solemn blessing, and the sense of new beginnings as this impressive edifice took its place as the spiritual heart of Settle. While we lack specific details about the construction process or the local dignitaries involved, the very act of commissioning a church from a prominent architect like Rickman speaks volumes about the aspirations and resources of Settle in the mid-19th century. It suggests a growing population, a thriving community, and a desire for a substantial and aesthetically pleasing place of worship.

An Interior Evolving: The 1998 Remodel

While the exterior of the Church of the Holy Ascension largely retains Rickman's original vision, the interior has seen at least one significant transformation. In 1998, parts of the interior underwent a remodelling. This detail, though brief, sparks curiosity. What aspects were changed? Was it a restoration, an update to modernise facilities, or a reordering of the worship space to better suit contemporary needs? Without further information, it's a tantalizing hint at the church's ongoing journey and its adaptability over time.

Church remodels often reflect shifts in liturgical practice, changes in congregation size, or simply the need for maintenance and improvements. The 1998 work could have involved anything from updating the pews, altering the altar area, improving lighting and heating, or even creating new community spaces within the church. Each such alteration leaves its own layer of history, adding to the rich tapestry of the building's life.

The Enduring Mystery: A Call for Discovery

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of Settle Parish Church, as highlighted by the original text, is the surprising scarcity of information available online. In an age where digital archives and historical records are increasingly accessible, it's genuinely remarkable that a building of this age and architectural significance remains somewhat of an enigma.

This lack of readily available information creates a compelling opportunity. For local historians, community groups, and indeed, anyone with a passion for architectural heritage, Settle Parish Church presents a genuine treasure hunt. Imagine the stories waiting to be unearthed:

• Who were the key figures in Settle who championed the building of this church?
• What challenges were faced during its construction in the 1830s?
• Are there any surviving archives or local newspapers that shed light on the consecration ceremony in 1838?
• What was the nature and extent of the 1998 remodelling, and what prompted it?
• Are there any unique architectural features or historical artefacts within the church that deserve wider recognition?

A Call to Action (and Exploration!)

While the challenges of physical distance may prevent some from visiting in person, the mystery surrounding Settle Parish Church serves as a powerful reminder of the value of local historical research. For those fortunate enough to live nearby, a visit to the Church of the Holy Ascension offers a chance to connect directly with its history. A conversation with churchwardens, a browse through local archives, or even just an observant walk around the building could unlock a wealth of untold stories.

In a world saturated with information, the Church of the Holy Ascension in Settle stands as a beautiful testament to architectural heritage, a silent observer of centuries of community life, and a captivating enigma waiting for its full story to be told. It reminds us that sometimes, the most interesting histories are those we have yet to fully uncover.

The pictures were taken on August 23rd 2016 using a Nikon d3300 SLR camera. Clicking any of the pictures below should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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Unveiling Halifax Minster.

While many know it simply as Halifax Minster, its full, resonant name, the Parish Church of St. John the Baptist, hints at a deeper story. Standing proudly as one of only three minsters within West Yorkshire, alongside its counterparts in Leeds and Dewsbury, Halifax Minster isn't just a building; it's a living chronicle of faith, community, and the ever-shifting tides of English history.

But what truly sets this minster apart? It's the palpable sense of time layered upon time, a tangible connection to centuries past. To say there's been a church on or near this site for over 900 years is a mere starting point. Imagine the countless prayers whispered, the hymns sung, the lives marked within these very walls.

Delving into the Depths of History:

The minster, as we see it today, reached its completed form around 1458, a testament to the dedication and craftsmanship of medieval artisans. But peel back the layers, and you'll find whispers of an earlier era. Fragments of the 12th century remain, like ancient echoes, reminding us of the Norman influence that shaped the early foundations. Over the centuries, the minster has been a canvas for successive generations, each leaving their mark through architectural additions and alterations. This organic growth, this evolution of form, is what makes Halifax Minster so compelling.

The Silent Witnesses: Stained Glass and the Puritan Shadow:

No exploration of Halifax Minster would be complete without considering its stained glass. These vibrant windows, once bursting with biblical narratives and devotional imagery, tell a story of both artistry and tumultuous change. The 17th century, a period of profound religious upheaval, saw the rise of the Puritan movement, which held significant sway in Halifax. The Puritans, with their emphasis on simplicity and their rejection of ornate religious displays, viewed stained glass as idolatrous. Consequently, many of these precious windows were removed, their radiant stories silenced.

However, the spirit of restoration has breathed new life into the minster. Where possible, these fragmented narratives have been pieced back together, a poignant reminder of the resilience of art and faith. The restored windows, though perhaps incomplete, offer glimpses into the rich iconography of the past, inviting us to contemplate the delicate balance between tradition and reform.

Beyond the Stones: The Minster's Role in Community:

Halifax Minster's story isn't confined to its architectural and artistic merits. It has always been, and continues to be, a vital hub for the community. Until November 2009, it served as a parish church, the heart of local spiritual life. The transition to minster status recognized its historical and regional significance, solidifying its role as a focal point for worship, reflection, and community engagement.

A Call to Exploration:

To truly appreciate Halifax Minster, one must experience it firsthand. Walk its hallowed aisles, trace the intricate stonework, and allow the stories embedded within its walls to resonate. Imagine the generations who have stood where you stand, their hopes and fears echoing through the centuries.

Halifax Minster isn't just a historical landmark; it's a living testament to the enduring power of faith, the resilience of art, and the enduring connection between a community and its spiritual heart. It's a place where the past and present converge, inviting us to explore, to reflect, and to discover the layers of history that make it so uniquely captivating.

The pictures were taken with a Polaroid is2132 Bridge Camera on the 1st June 2014, clicking any image below should open a link to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

Halifax Stocks, they can be seen outside the West Gate entrance to the church. They were moved from the north side of the gate to the south side in the 1960's

The West Gate, this used to be sighted further east near to the clock tower. It was moved to it's current location in the 1960's the former Halifax Stocks were also moved at the same time from the north side of the gate to the south side.

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