Christ Church Sowerby Bridge - Hidden Nature around us (2020)
Junction of Wharf Street and Tuel Lane, West Yorkshire, HX6 2LW
Step away from the bustle of traffic and back to when the town boomed in the Industrial Revolution. All around are memorials dated from 1821 until this graveyard reached capacity and was closed to new burials from 1 March 1859 by the Principal Secretary of State to Queen Victoria. Since then it has been a place to reflect and a haven for wildlife. Trees and shrubs were planted in memory of loved ones, the old font is now a bird bath, and the gaps between graves are home to wild flowers and insects.
Feel free to sit by the planted tubs and enjoy the natural world around you. Reflect on all those who have loved this place for almost 200 years but lived in a very different town to what you see now. Please stay socially distant!
Visit the Heritage Open Day page on our website to access a short tour leaflet describing what glimpses still remain. Other activities also on line.
Timings & Tours
Available anytime
Location & directions
Junction of Wharf Street and Tuel Lane, West Yorkshire, HX6 2LW
- Contact on day:
- Peter Henry 07720 745230
- Telephone number:
- Peter Henry 07720 745230
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
Main access is via a ramp with handrail but with two short flights of steps. Unfortunately the church building is not open this year and help for those who cannot manage the steps is not available. Option for close 'drop off' or 1 hour’s parking in the public layby. Public toilets including for the disabled are close by, and there are many cafés and pubs in our town, keen for your custom for those wanting refreshments & toilet facilities. Respect those who rest in peace here, by keeping to the tour route as there are slip/trip hazards between the graves and on other paths .
Additional information
While you're in the area why not visit more local sites of hidden nature: From the canal basin opposite take the towpath walk towards Halifax to see the urban nature reserves being created as part of the Calder Valley Greening project managed by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. For details see https://www.facebook.com/Calder-Greening-106064614363008/ Visit Crow Wood Park- for details see https://www.facebook.com/CrowWoodPark/
