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Heptonstall Museum

The ancient village of Heptonstall sits on top of a steep hill on the north side of the Calder Valley, overlooking Hebden Bridge.

Heptonstall once thrived on the woollen trade until the end of the 18th Century when water, and then steam, powered mills determined that the industry was located in the tributary valleys of the Calder. As a result, Hebden Bridge developed below, with the help of the Rochdale canal.

In the centre of this charming village lies Heptonstall Museum, situated in the Old Grammar School Building. Heptonstall Grammar School was established in 1642 - the present building was rebuilt in 1771, where it continued to be used as a school until 1889.

In 1898 it became the Yorkshire Penny Bank whose staff were careful to preserve some of the original features of the school: including a black oak desk at which pupils took their lessons which can still be found inside the Museum today.

Heptonstall Museum's new exhibition explores the changing importance of Heptonstall and the surrounding area, from prehistoric times to the present day. Find out about the infamous Cragg Vale Coiners, who produced counterfeit currency and why they murdered to conceal their illegal trade. Discover the exploits of Heptonstall's Parliamentarian garrison during the English Civil War and uncover the intriguing stories of the everyday lives of the people of Heptonstall and the Upper Valley.

In addition, the new community space provides an opportunity for you to investigate the history of the area in more detail, using oral histories and photographs. This season's temporary exhibition is entitled 'Folklore' and explores the fascinating stories and traditions of the local area. Heptonstall Museum has been supported by funding from Renaissance Yorkshire, Calderdale MBC and invaluable support from the local community.

Heptonstall Museum is the ideal starting point for exploring this intimate and charming village. Other important features of the village include:

• the ruined church, founded between 1256 and 1260 with remains from the 15th Century.
• the Cloth Hall (1545 / 1558) where local handloom weavers brought their cloth for sale to dealers.
• the Methodist Church, built in 1764, which is the oldest surviving Methodist Church in the world that is in continuous use.
• ‘Weaver's Square’ - a fine example of different types of Yorkshire paving from cobbles to flagstones
• the traditional Pace Egg Play which takes place on Good Friday.

Why not come and pay us a visit!

Opening times: Easter to October

Admission:

• £2 Adults
• £1 Concessions.

There will be a special celebratory event on 17th of May, 11am - 3.30pm to officially open the exhibition. This is an opportunity to meet some of the Museum's curators and find out more about the new exhibitions and objects on display. Join in with our Mystery Objects handling session for a chance to win a free family ticket to Shibden Hall. There will also be an art and craft session, including a zoetrope demonstration and making a thermatrope. Drop in event, included in the admission price.

We apologise for the delay in opening the museum, this was due to storm damage. We hope that you will come to visit us soon.

• Address:
• Heptonstall Museum
  Church Yard Bottom
  Heptonstall
  Hebden Bridge HX7 7PL
• E-mail:
• museums-arts@calderdale.gov.uk
• Telephone:
• 01422 843738 (during opening hours)
  01422 843831 (outside opening hours).

See also loans, donations and bequests .

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