Todmorden's Fielden Square is a place with a story etched into its very foundations. Today, it serves as a busy car park, but a century ago, it was a space designed for a grander purpose: to honour one of the town's most influential figures, John Fielden.
Fielden was a local businessman, a major benefactor, and a dedicated social reformer. The town chose this square as the perfect spot for his statue, a place where his legacy could be a constant reminder to the people he served. However, in 1939, the statue was moved to Centre Vale Park, leaving the square to evolve with the changing needs of the town.
This photograph, taken on a cold November day in 2013, captures the square's modern-day utility. The sky, which was originally flat and grey, has been replaced with a vibrant, dramatic cloudscape, a testament to the power of digital editing. This change breathes new life into the image, giving it a sense of dynamism that the original lacked.
The picture also features a few other key Todmorden landmarks. To the left, you can see the Golden Lion Pub, which was closed at the time due to severe flooding. Its reopening a year later was a symbol of the town's resilience. Looming over the entire scene is the stunning spire of Todmorden Unitarian Church, a building that the Fielden family themselves helped to construct. This connection reinforces the lasting impact the family had on the town's identity.
Fielden Square may no longer hold a statue of its namesake, but the ghosts of its past are still very much present, in the architecture, the history of its surrounding buildings, and the stories they tell.
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In the heart of Halifax are two remarkable buildings with intertwined histories: the Square Chapel and the Square Church Spire. Despite a series of threats, these structures have defied the odds and now stand as a testament to the town's rich heritage.
From Chapel to Arts Centre
Built in 1772, the Square Independent Chapel was a marvel of its time. Costing a hefty £2,000, it was the largest independent place of worship in the country. The iconic red brick, said to be mixed with bull's blood to enhance its colour, made it a distinctive landmark from the start.
The chapel served the community for decades, eventually becoming a Sunday school for the new Square Congregational Church next door. Its story took a dramatic turn during World War II when the British Army commandeered it. After the war, the chapel faced an uncertain future, as the local council twice planned to demolish it. Fortunately, preservation groups like the Victorian Society fought to protect it.
In 1989, the Square Chapel Building Trust purchased the dilapidated building for just £25. What followed was a remarkable transformation, with over £3 million spent on restoration. The chapel was reborn as the Square Chapel Arts Centre in 1992, becoming a vibrant cultural hub for the community.
The Spire That Refused to Fall
Next door to the chapel stands the breathtaking Square Church Spire. When the church opened in 1857, its spire was the second tallest in Yorkshire, reaching a height of 235 feet. Local lore claims that a nearby church's spire was built just one foot taller, a deliberate act by a rival of the Crossley family, who had helped fund the Square Church.
After the church closed in 1970, it was hit by a series of devastating fires and storms. By 1976, the main body of the church was demolished, but the spire remained. It stood alone for years, a solitary sentinel in a rest-garden area. The spire itself faced new threats, including structural issues and calls for demolition. During this time, workers inspecting the structure even claimed to have photographed a ghost in an inaccessible part of the spire!
However, the people of Halifax decided the spire was too important to lose. It was incorporated into a new public library, which opened in 2017. The spire and its magnificent rose window are now a central feature of the library, creating a stunning new eastern entrance to the town's historic Piece Hall.
These photos, taken in October 2019, perfectly capture the enduring beauty of these two historic buildings. They stand as a powerful reminder of how history can be preserved and repurposed to enrich our modern lives.
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Nestled on Honey Hole Road in Todmorden, West Yorkshire, stands a building that is more than just a church; it's a testament to a family's devotion, a community's spirit, and a remarkable piece of architectural history. We're talking about Todmorden Unitarian Church, a stunning structure with a story as rich and enduring as its stone walls.
A Monument to a Visionary
The church was not merely built; it was conceived as a lasting memorial to John Fielden, a prominent local figure who left an indelible mark on Todmorden. Fielden was not only a successful mill owner but also a passionate social reformer and a Member of Parliament for Oldham from 1832 to 1847. A staunch advocate for the working classes, he was also a leading light in the local Unitarian movement.
His three sons, Joshua, John, and Samuel, took on the monumental task of funding the church's construction, which began in 1865. They spared no expense, donating the land and committing an unlimited budget to the project. The final cost, a staggering £35,000, translates to over £3.5 million in 2020 rates – a clear indication of their dedication and the ambition behind the design.
From Grand Opening to Quiet Closure
Completed in 1869, the church flung open its doors in April with a memorable sermon delivered by William Gaskell to a congregation of over 800 people. For many years, the church thrived, a vibrant hub for the community.
However, like many religious institutions across the UK, the early 20th century saw a gradual decline in congregations. The upkeep of such a grand building became increasingly challenging, and by 1987, a difficult decision was made to close the main church and relocate services to the nearby lodge at the entrance of the grounds. These smaller services continued for a few more years, but by 1992, the church and its grounds were completely closed.
A Phoenix from the Ashes: Revival and Restoration
After its closure, the once magnificent church sadly fell into disrepair, becoming a target for vandalism. But its story wasn't over. In 1994, the Historic Chapels Trust stepped in, recognizing the immense historical and architectural significance of the building. Over the next few years, they poured over £1 million into crucial repairs, breathing new life into the decaying structure.
Today, Todmorden Unitarian Church is more than just a preserved relic. It is licensed for weddings, offering a unique and historic backdrop for special occasions, and continues to serve the local community as a versatile meeting place.
A Legacy of Listed Status
The architectural significance of Todmorden Unitarian Church is formally recognized. It was granted Grade I listed status on November 22nd, 1966, a testament to its exceptional architectural and historical importance. The charming lodge at the entrance also holds Grade II listed status, awarded on February 22nd, 1984.
A Glimpse Through the Lens
The accompanying pictures, captured on April 22nd, 2017, with a Nikon d3300 SLR camera, offer a visual journey through this remarkable piece of Todmorden's heritage. They invite you to appreciate the intricate details, the grand scale, and the enduring beauty of Todmorden Unitarian Church – a true landmark with a captivating past and a promising future.
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As a keen collector of vintage postcards, I'm always thrilled to uncover a piece of history. One recent find that particularly stands out in my collection is a beautiful card depicting Glasgow Cathedral, dating back to the early 20th century, likely even before the First World War.
This particular postcard was produced by J.M & Co. LTD, a company founded in Edinburgh in 1903. It's part of their renowned Caledonian Series of cards, which captured various Scottish landmarks. What makes this card even more special is that it's in pristine condition—unwritten and unposted, offering a clear window into its original state over a century ago.
Glasgow Cathedral itself is a fascinating subject. While officially a Church of Scotland place of worship, it's also widely known as the High Kirk of Glasgow, St Kentigern's, or St Mungo's Cathedral. Its historical significance runs deep, as it's built on the very site where Patron Saint Mungo is believed to have established his church. Before the Reformation, this magnificent edifice served as the seat of the Archbishop of Glasgow and was a vibrant centre of Roman Catholic worship.
Holding this postcard, you can't help but feel a connection to the past, imagining what Glasgow was like at the turn of the 20th century and the journey this little piece of cardstock has taken.
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Halifax, a town steeped in industrial history, holds a silent sentinel against its skyline: the Square Church Spire. A lone finger pointing towards the heavens, it's a striking reminder of a grander structure, a story etched in stone and fire.
Imagine, if you will, the bustling Square in 1857. Amidst the clatter of horse-drawn carriages and the rhythmic hum of nearby mills, a new beacon of faith rose. The Square Congregational Church, opened on July 15th, a testament to Victorian ambition and religious fervor. This magnificent edifice stood proudly beside the iconic Piece Hall, a symbol of Halifax's prosperity. It replaced the older Georgian Square Chapel, which, in a charming twist of fate, became the church's Sunday school, a passing of the torch from one generation to the next.
For over a century, the Square Church echoed with hymns, sermons, and the quiet prayers of its congregation. It was a place of community, of solace, and of spiritual guidance. But time, as it inevitably does, brought change. The church's doors closed in 1970, marking the end of an era.
Then, tragedy struck. In January 1971, a devastating fire ripped through the main building, leaving behind a charred skeleton. The once proud structure was reduced to rubble, and in 1976, the final act of demolition was carried out. All that remained was the magnificent, Grade II listed spire, soaring 235 feet into the sky.
This solitary spire, a relic of a lost grandeur, now stands as a poignant reminder of what once was. It's a striking juxtaposition against the modern architecture of the Halifax Central Library, into which it is now incorporated. Standing at its base, you can almost hear the echoes of the past, the faint strains of an organ, the murmur of prayers.
The Square Church Spire is more than just a historical landmark; it's a symbol of resilience, a testament to the enduring power of memory. It's a place where the past and present collide, where the echoes of a bygone era mingle with the everyday sounds of a bustling town.
Next time you find yourself in Halifax, take a moment to gaze upon this architectural marvel. Let its silent story resonate with you, and remember the grand church that once stood beside it, a testament to the enduring spirit of Halifax. It's a reminder that even in the face of destruction, something beautiful and enduring can remain, reaching towards the sky like a whispered prayer.
The pictures below were taken on the 27th May 2018 with a Nikon d3300, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.
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Standing tall against the sky, a lone spire points heavenward, a silent sentinel of a bygone era. This is all that remains of St. Paul's Church, a once magnificent structure that graced the landscape for over half a century. Opened in 1847 at a cost of a million pounds – a truly staggering sum in those days – the church served its community until 1912, before finally being demolished in 1931.
Today, only the Grade II listed spire remains, a poignant reminder of the grand church that once stood in its place. It stands proudly within the former burial grounds, now transformed into a peaceful rest garden. Imagine the stories this spire could tell, the generations it has witnessed come and go.
What makes this site even more intriguing is the history of its burials. While the headstones have been removed and repositioned, I understand that the bodies remain undisturbed beneath the tranquil surface of the garden. Burials continued here until as recently as 1969, a testament to the long and varied history of this place.
It's a fascinating thought, to wander through this serene space, knowing that beneath your feet lie the remains of those who lived and worshipped in the shadow of St. Paul's. The removal of the headstones, while perhaps necessary for creating a public space, adds an air of mystery. Who were these people? What were their lives like? The spire stands as a silent witness, guarding their secrets and connecting us to the past.
Next time you find yourself in the area, take a moment to visit St. Paul's Spire. Walk through the rest garden, breathe in the fresh air, and consider the lives lived and the stories whispered by the stones beneath your feet. It's a place where history and tranquility intertwine, a reminder that even in the quietest of spaces, stories can still be told.
The pictures were taken using a Samsung Galaxy Tablet on November 12, 2013. Clicking any image should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.
The following information was taken from Wikipedia on their page about King Cross.
A commissioner's church, St. Paul's, designed by Robert Chantrell in 1845, was built in 1847 with seating for 450 people.
By the end of the 19th century, with a population of some 17,000 people, the older church of St. Paul's, built in 1847, had eventually run out of space for burials. A decision was made in 1909 to build a new church designed by Sir Charles Nicholson, with seating for 1,000, nearby. Except for the tower, it was completed in 1912.
Following a fire in the old St. Pauls in 1930, during which the roof was destroyed, the building was demolished in 1931, leaving only the tower and spire standing. With the increased space, burials continued in the graveyard until 1969. With some 1,737 graves in the graveyard, the church asked the local council to take over the maintenance of the grounds. The area was eventually designated as a'rest garden' in 1973, though with some considerable controversy.
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