Haworth Parish Church
Church History
The first written records of the church date back to 1317, but it is believed that the site was a place of worship since before the 11th century. The oldest surviving part of the church is the base of the tower, which dates to 1488.
Patrick Brontë, the church's most famous parish priest, was appointed to the position of 'Perpetual Curate' in 1820. He served at the church until his death in 1861.
The old church was mostly demolished in 1879 and rebuilt to its current form in 1882. Major restoration began in 2012, bringing the structure to the well-preserved and revered place of worship it is today.
Church Tour
Brontë Chapel
The church is perhaps best known for the Brontë Chapel, dedicated to the entire Brontë family, who were all buried here apart from Anne Brontë, who was buried in St Mary's Church in Scarborough.
There is a brass tablet at the foot of the pillar just outside the chapel. It marks the vault in which Charlotte, Emily, Branwell, Maria, and Patrick Brontë were all buried. The first two children of the family, Maria and Elizabeth, both died in childhood due to disease and are also buried here.
Brontë Documents
There is also a cabinet display of Brontë memorabilia, including a copy of the marriage certificate of Charlotte Brontë and Arthur Bell Nicholls and the burial records of Emily Brontë.
Stained Glass
The church has beautiful stained glass windows on all four walls, depicting Jesus, various saints, angels, and animals. The West window, also known as the Taylor Window (shown below), contains images of the 12 Apostles. It was funded by Mr G. S. Taylor of Stanbury, whose family have been associated with the church.
The 'American window' was donated by Thomas Hockley, an American enthusiast of Charlotte Brontë.
The Organ
The church organ was built by local experts J.J. Binns of Bramley in Leeds and has been restored in 1975 and again in 2013.
The Font
The font used for baptism ceremonies is made from alabaster and has marble columns. It was gifted to the church by Mrs. George Merrall and was returned in 1929 after disappearing for several years.
Roll of Honour
The church also houses three memorials dedicated to the men of Haworth and nearby village of Stanbury who lost their lives in the second and first world war.
Haworth Church Info
| Entry Fee: | Free |
| Opening Times: | Daily: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m Thursdays, 12 noon: A short service of Holy Communion (held in the Bronte chapel) Thursdays, 8 p.m.: ‘Compline’ - An ancient, quiet, and reflective time of prayer at the end of the day Sundays: 11 a.m.: Parish worship |
| Address: | Church St, Haworth, Keighley, BD22 8DP |
| Website: | haworthchurch.co.uk |
| Contact Page: | haworthchurch.co.uk/contact-general |
| Facebook: | Official Page |
| Phone Number: | 07891183682 |