On Sunday 11 September, St Oswald’s, Guiseley will open for visitors to explore its ancient heritage - which includes being the church where the Bronte sisters’ parents got married.
Local history experts will lead tours around the church which has been in the heart of this West Yorkshire town for over 900 years. The Royal British legion will be on hand with information about Guiseley’s military history and church registers will be on display.
St Oswald’s ringing room will also be open for visits to the bells and bell ringers, and Martin Baker, Director of Music, will give demonstrations of the church organ.
Afternoon teas will be served, there’ll be special activities for children and, at 3.30pm, there’ll be a Heritage service of Choral Evensong with St Oswald’s renowned choir.
The organisers are hoping to repeat the success of last year’s event, which attracted a huge number of visitors, many with family links to the church.
Loyd Grossman, Patron of Heritage Open Days, says, “At a time when many of our heritage sites, museums and buildings of cultural interest are under increasing economic pressure, it’s heart-warming to see the number of Heritage Open Days events continue to grow.”
The event takes place from 1.30-4.30pm on Sunday 11 September. The church is 10 minutes’ walk from Guiseley railway station, and there is plenty of on-street parking available with disabled access and parking on Church Street.
Heritage Open Days operate as part of the National Trust with funding from players of People’s Postcode Lottery, and this event is free and open to everyone.
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