Old Church at Luddenden
View of the Old Church at Luddenden, West Yorkshire.
Author: Unknown
Date: not dated
Location: Luddenden
Format: Postcard - Colour
Document ID: 100242
Library ID: 34561770
St Mary's Church has been in existence since the late 15th century, and was rebuilt in 1600 with the tower added 100 years later. This building fell into disrepair and was demolished in 1814. The present church was re-opened in 1817, designed by Thomas Taylor who built many local churches. A new chancel (alter - usually built on the east side) was added in 1866, and the church was extended in 1910.
In 1840 John Jowett and Thomas Spencer were arrested for stealing lead from the church roof. Jowett and Spencer were well known Chartists, who claimed they were stealing the lead to make into bullets.
