ST THOMAS THE APOSTLE & ST THOMAS À BECKETT
Church Street, Heptonstall, Hebden Bridge, HX7 7NT
Contact: David Storr PCC Member
Tel: 01422 843178 Email: davidstorr1@hotmail.com
The church of St Thomas à Beckett was reputedly founded in the 12th century and built in the 13th century, but was effectively destroyed by a great storm in 1847 when part of the tower blew down. John Wesley preached here.
Instead of rebuilding the old church (now a scheduled Ancient Monument), the congregation commissioned Bradford architects Healey and Mattinson to build a new church, which was completed in 1850 and consecrated in 1854. Some of the old church was moved into the new church, including the tower clock, the eleven-sided font, and the six bells – which were recast in 1911 and a further two were added. A further reordering in 1964 saw the introduction of furniture that was more flexible and capable of a wider range of activities.
The site is Grade 11* listed, and the churchyard is reputed to contain over 100,000 bodies, though the graves have clearly been used more than once. One grave in the new churchyard is that of American poet Sylvia Plath.
Please CLICK HERE to return to the Heptonstall & Hebden Bridge Faith Heritage Trail page
