St Oswald’s, Guiseley (where the Bronte sisters’ parents were married) is opening its doors next month as part of Heritage Open Day weekend – the largest heritage festival in the country.
The free event includes exhibitions, children’s activities and vintage afternoon tea.
The churchyard is the last resting place of local WW1 soldiers, and there will be an exhibition of their lives and stories. The parents of the famous Bronte sisters of Howarth were married here in December 1812, and a copy of the marriage registers will be on display.
There will be bell ringers on hand to show visitors around the ‘ringing room’ and the chance to have a closer look at the workings of the 3 manual Harrison and Harrison organ. Visitors can join history tours with local experts and younger visitors can have a go at completing ‘St Oswald’s Trail’.
Rector, the Revd David Pickett, says, “It’s an opportunity for the community to come in and find out more about some of the hidden gems of this ancient building which has been at the heart of Guiseley for over 800 years.”
The event takes place on Sunday 13 September, 2-5pm and will be followed at 6pm by a traditional service of Choral Evensong with the Choir of St Oswald’s.
Everyone is welcome, there is plenty of on street parking, and disabled access is from Church Street.
Last year over 4,600 venues took part in the Heritage Open Day weekend, with around three million visitors across England. Heritage Open Days operates as part of the National Trust with funding from players of People’s Postcode Lottery and Historic England. Every event is free, including over 150 National Trust properties, which waive their entry fees on the Saturday of the Heritage Open Days weekend.