Old St Matthew, Lightcliffe
Old St Matthew's, Wakefield Road, Lightcliffe, Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX3 8TH
Erected in 1775, Lightcliffe Old St Matthew was a Classical preaching box, replaced by a new church built only a few hundred yards away in the late 19th century. The church was then used as a mortuary chapel, but following serious storm damage in the 1960s, it fell into decay, suffering from vandalism and theft.
Ann Walker was the life partner of Anne Lister (Gentleman Jack), who worshipped in a bespoke green velvet lined pew at the church. Ann Walker died in 1854 and was buried close to the pulpit. When the church was demolished, we saved several of the monuments and mounted them in the tower.
Recent repair works stabilised the tower and repaired the stonework, as well as cleaning and restoring the surviving monuments, which have now been returned to the tower.
The recently restored tower will be open for visitors' to view inside, including memorials to Ann Walker and other members of her family.
St Matthew's Churchyard spans almost 2.2 acres and is the resting place for over 11,000 people. The churchyard is maintained by the Friends of St Matthew's Churchyard, some of whom will be available to talk to, and can also be explored during your visit.
Timings
- Sunday 20 September:
- 1400 - 1600
Location & directions
Old St Matthew's, Wakefield Road, Lightcliffe, Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX3 8TH
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
