Todmorden's Unitarian Church: A Testament to a Family's Legacy

Todmorden Unitarian Church, nestled on Honey Hole Road, is more than just a place of worship. It’s a remarkable tribute to John Fielden, a local mill owner, social reformer, and Member of Parliament for Oldham from 1832 to 1847. A prominent member of the local Unitarian movement, Fielden’s legacy was honoured by his three sons, Joshua, John, and Samuel, who funded the church’s construction on land donated by their family.

Building began in 1865, with an unlimited budget that eventually swelled to over £35,000 (more than £3.5 million in 2020). The church was completed in 1869 and opened with a sermon preached by William Gaskell to a congregation of over 800 people.

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A Story of Decline and Rebirth

The church flourished until the early 20th century when, like many other religious institutions in the UK, its congregation began to decline. Maintaining the building became increasingly difficult, leading to the main church's closure in 1987. Services were moved to the nearby lodge at the entrance to the grounds, but even these ceased in 1992, and the church was closed completely.

Left abandoned, the building fell into decay and was a target for vandals. However, in 1994, the Historic Chapels Trust stepped in, undertaking a massive restoration project that cost over £1 million. Their efforts saved this architectural gem.

The church was granted Grade I listed status on November 22, 1966, while the lodge at the entrance received Grade II listed status on February 22, 1984.

These photos, taken on July 11, 2020, capture the church's unique character and the beautiful grounds surrounding it. It's a true testament to the power of preservation and the enduring legacy of a family dedicated to their community.

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This picture taken from the Rochdale Canal, looking across the Golden Lion Pub, shows the Churches Spire. Notice the guitarist sat on the bench.

The Lodge, stands at the entrance to the church grounds. This was used for services after the main building closed. I believe it is now a private residence.

This lamp post can be found on the main driveway, the path to the right leads through the woodland circling the eastern side of the church.

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Fielden Square: A Canvas of Todmorden's Past

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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