For more information about Yorkshire's churches, see Hidden Churches of Yorkshire, by Louise Simmons.

Rarely referenced in guidebooks, parish churches are often overlooked jewels offering a wealth of history. Many date from the 12th century (and may incorporate earlier elements); stunning stained glass windows are a common feature. Most are open to visitors, but are often kept locked, so that you will have to hunt down whoever holds the key. (Check the notice board by the door to find out how to call.) Such churches (and their churchyards) are also a wonderful source of information to genealogists.

West Yorkshire

	St. Peter's Church (15th century) Addingham, West Yorkshire Christians have worshipped in Addingham on this site for over 1100 years. The building, set amid an open field, has nave roof, arcade and chancel dating from the 15th century with a gallery of 1756. It is a place of great peace and beauty and you will find a warm welcome. http://www.addinghamrectory.fsnet.co.uk/
	St. John the Baptist Church (16th century) Appletreewick, West Yorkshire At one end of this linear village stands the unassuming little chapel, originally two cottages in one which, in 1548, Sir William Craven was born. Like Dick Whittington, he rose through commerce and industry to be Lord Mayor of London and later became a benefactor to his native dale. The furnishings display the 'mouse' motif of Thomson of Kilburn. http://www.daelnet.co.uk/features/churches/wharfe/appletwk.htm
Photo courtesy of Skipton Web	St. Wilfrid Church (15th century) Burnsall, West Yorkshire Near the top of the street is St Wilfrid's church, approached through a 17th C. tapsel gate -- a lychgate with a `turnstile' entrance. The church was largely rebuilt during the reign of Henry VIII but also houses 14th-century artwork, including a beautiful, sculptured alabaster panel showing the Adoration of the Magi. Evidence of a much older foundation is demonstrated by the crudely carved Norman font, and fragments of some Anglo-Danish crosses of the 9th or 10th C. http://www.daelnet.co.uk/features/churches/wharfe/burnsall.htm http://www.skiptonweb.co.uk/tourist/nearby_villages/burnsall.htm
Photo courtesy of Skipton Web	St. Mary's Church (Pre-Norman) Conistone, West Yorkshire This humble and venerable chapel, perhaps the oldest remaining in Craven, lies in a tiny hamlet across the river from Kilnsey Crag. Two pre-Norman arches remain; others are early English. There is a Norman font, and old poor-box and two of the ancient bells. http://www.daelnet.co.uk/features/churches/wharfe/conistne.htm
	St. Helen's Church (18th century) Denton, West Yorkshire Designed by John Carr as a private chapel to Denton Hall (birthplace of the great Thomas, Lord Fairfax), this elegant little church stands in an immaculate village and parkland setting. The superb 'musicians'' window, signed by Giles of York and dated 1700, came from the Hall. There is other glass by Peckitt and from the famous Whitefriars workshop; also a wealth of armorial detail and fine inscriptions to enjoy. http://www.daelnet.co.uk/features/churches/wharfe/denton.htm
	St. Mary's Church Foxholes, East Yorkshire The church of St Mary's with its rounded end and decoratively carved doorway stands quietly on Ganton Road leading out of the village. Its bell tower with its widows covered by wooden slats and its pretty stained glass window make it an attractive sight positioned on the hill side. http://www.driffield.co.uk/wolds_village_foxholes.htm
	All Saints Church (12th century) Great Ayton, West Yorkshire Visitors come from all parts of the world to see this little gem of a church where Captain James Cook, the famous explorer, worshipped as a boy. The Cook family grave is in the churchyard. The church itself retains much of the original 12th century work and its peaceful candlelit interior also features a 3 decker pulpit complete with sounding board. http://www.captaincook.org.uk/facilities/attractions.php?link=1
	Halifax Parish Church (12th/15th century) Halifax, West Yorkshire This huge, millstone grit, mediaeval building, blackened by the industry of the past, stands handsomely at the bottom end of town. The church you see is mainly 15th Century, but parts of the north wall date back to the 12th Century. http://www.halifaxparishchurch.org.uk/
	Square Chapel (18th century) Halifax, West Yorkshire In 1772 the impressive sight of a red brick building appeared amongst the green fields of central Halifax. Square Chapel was the first major building in the town to be made of brick and was a unique building, being a 60 foot square. The man responsible for its building was Titus Knight and the architect was Thomas Bradley. The Chapel was later converted to a Sunday School. In the mid 1800's and throughout the century, the Chapel was used as an assembly hall for classes, prize givings and meetings. http://www.calderdale.gov.uk/libraries/history/2000/square.html
	St. Michael and All Angels Church (19th century) Haworth, West Yorkshire The present church apart from the tower is over 100 years old and has rectors including William Grimshaw and Patrick Bronte. The church windows are of historical interest as is the Bronte vault and Charlotte Bronte's marriage certificate. http://www.visitbrontecountry.com/church.htm
	Church of St. Thomas a Becket (13th century) Heptonstall, West Yorkshire The church of St. Thomas a Becket was built in the 13th century. It was of a low design to withstand the Pennine gales and originally consisted of tower, the south nave and two aisles. The north nave and two chancels were added later with more space being provided later with the addition of five galleries, including one for the choir. Significant rebuilding work took place in the 14th century and again in the 15th century when the west tower, which has a 13th century base, was reconstructed. http://www.geocities.com/thehepps/heptonstall/heptonchrchs.html
	Church of St. Thomas the Apostle (19th century) Heptonstall, West Yorkshire Two churches stand on this site, the mid 19th century church of St Thomas the Apostle and the ruins of the medieval church of St Thomas a Becket with origins back to around 1256. David Hartley, leader of a conterfeiting gang was hanged in 1770 for killing exciseman William Deighton, and is buried in the ool graveyard, and Sylvia Plath is buried in the new graveyard. More information on the two churches can be found in the Heptonstall Trail which is available for a small charge from Hebden Bridge TIC (01422 843831). The 'modern' church is open daily throughout the year and has a second hand bookstall. Light refreshments are available for groups by prior booking. (On the Pennine Yorkshire site, click on Attractions, then on Hepden Bridge) http://www.geocities.com/thehepps/heptonstall/heptonchrchs.html http://www.pennineyorkshire.co.uk/
	Methodist Church (18th century) Heptonstall, West Yorkshire The octagonal Methodist Church is the oldest in the world to be in continual use and attracts visitors from far afield. John Wesley laid the foundation stone for the chapel in 1764. http://www.geocities.com/thehepps/heptonstall/heptonchrchs.html
	Huddersfield Parish Church & Keys Cafe Huddersfield, West Yorkshire The beautiful, historic parish church offers a warm welcome all year. Enjoy delicious homemade food with waitress service, in the friendly, fully licensed Keys cafe beneath church, serving everything from sandwiches to a three-course meal. (Click Attractions, then search on Huddersfield) http://www.pennineyorkshire.co.uk/
	All Saints Church (14th/19th century) Ikley, West Yorkshire Christians have worshipped on this site since about 627 AD. The first church would have been built of stone taken from the abandoned Roman fort of Olicana which stood on this spot. Although parts of the present church date back to Norman times, it was substantially rebuilt in the 1860s and much of the structure and the internal layout dates from that time. The 'Four Marys Window' is a William Morris design dating from 1922. http://website.lineone.net/~saints/
	St. Michael & All Angels Church (14th century) Linton, West Yorkshire This gem of medieval architecture, with its handsome bell-cote, was probably built to replace an ancient pagan shrine, well away from the village. The pre-Reformation stone altar-slab is still in use. One of the 14th century roof-bosses shows the 'Green Man' -- an ancient fertility symbol (later adapted by the Christian church) of a face with protruding foliage. The memorials and graveyard inscriptions are of unusual interest. http://www.yorkshireroots.org.uk/photos/Linton.htm
	St. Peter's Church (19th century) Rylstone, West Yorkshire The pleasant, airy church was built by Paley in 1853 on an ancient site. Nearby are relics of Rylstone Hall, home of the ill-fated Norton family who suffered calamity twice: in the Pilgrimage of Grace (1536-7) when Henry VIII's reforms were resisted, and again in 1569 when the Rising of the North was suppressed. The story is commemorated in Wordsworth's poem, 'The White Doe of Rylstone'. http://www.daelnet.co.uk/features/churches/wharfe/rylstone.htm
	United Reformed Church (19th century) Saltaire, Bradford, West Yorkshire The United Reformed Church in Saltaire is truly one of the nation's most precious Victorian architectural gems. The church, built in 1859 near Bradford, West Yorkshire, is a unique example of Italianate religious architecture. It boasts many architecturally and historically important features and has been described as a classic 'Cathedral of Congregationalism'. http://www.saltaire.yorks.com/urc.html
	All Saints Church (18th century) Weston, West Yorkshire This ancient and hallowed building seems to merge into the natural scene. Its roots go back to Doomsday to Saxon and Viking times; the interior, however, is perfect 18th century, with 3-decker pulpit, box pews, Squires 'parlour' complete with fireplace 'for the comfort of his bride', and orchestra pew with central music stand. Early Medieval bells, Vavasour memorials, royal arms and 'lifeboat window' provide a unique range of interest. http://www.stockdill.freeserve.co.uk/churches/

South Yorkshire

	Epworth Old Rectory Epworth, Doncaster, South Yorkshire Home of John Wesley, founder of the Methodist Church. Samuel Wesley built this house in 1709 after fire had destroyed the earlier building from which John was rescued as 'a brand plucked from the burning.' http://www.epwortholdrectory.org.uk/
	St. Andrews Church Epworth, Doncaster, South Yorkshire Here Samuel Wesley ministered to his flock from 1696-1735. Visits can be arranged. http://www.epwortholdrectory.org.uk/
	Wesley Memorial Church (19th century) Epworth, Doncaster, South Yorkshire This was built as a memorial to the Wesley brothers in 1888-89. http://www.epwortholdrectory.org.uk/