A Craven church is using its Sherlock Holmes connections to help to raise money for urgent roof and structural repairs.
The true story of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s links to the area is told in a video “Who was Sherlock,” shot with the blessing of Ingleton’s St Mary’s Church vicar, Reverend Nick Trenholme.
It details the links to Masongill, a small settlement near Ingleton, where Conan Doyle’s mother, Mary Doyle, worked as a housekeeper.
And the incumbent in Bentham at that time was one Edgar Sherlock – who may have inspired the name of Conan Doyle’s famous sleuth.
The video was made by Ingleton resident Ben Niall (pictured centre), with the help of the village’s former middle school head teacher, (pictured right)Chris Leeming and church member Andy Ive, (pictured left).
Revd Nick (pictured) said: “St Mary’s has been at the heart of the community of Ingleton for centuries.
“We are looking to safeguard the church for generations to come and we are in need of the community’s help. The present building is the third place of worship on this site and was built in 1886-87.
“It’s robust, but repairs that need to take place involve the entire roof being replaced to ensure the building remains weatherproof.
“Through grants and generous gifts we have raised roughly £100,000 towards the total amount. Repair work has successfully started however a lot of work still needs to be done.
The film was financially sponsored and supported by the Ingleton 2000 group, and also a mystery unnamed backer.
It was produced by Andy Ive and features Chris Leeming and has been released on one of Mr Niall’s YouTube channels where you can also find many other local content.
The Who Was Sherlock? video can be viewed by going to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WW81P4cxnIQ