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St Michael & All Angels Church, Haworth: A Brontë Heritage Landmark

Historic spiritual home of the Brontë family, blending rich literary heritage with stunning Victorian architecture in the heart of Haworth.

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St Michael & All Angels Church in Haworth is a historic Church of England parish church dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries, with significant rebuilding in the late 19th century. It is renowned for its deep connection to the Brontë family, serving as their spiritual home and burial site. The church features beautiful stained glass windows, a memorial chapel dedicated to the Brontës, and a graveyard with tens of thousands of burials, reflecting the village’s rich history and literary heritage.

A brief summary to St Michael & All Angels Church, Haworth

  • Church St, Keighley, Haworth, BD22 8DP, GB
  • +447912622646
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
  • Free
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Monday 10 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-8:30 pm
  • Friday 10 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Visit the Brontë Chapel to see the family vault and memorials dedicated to the literary sisters and their relatives.
  • Admire the stained glass windows, especially the Taylor Window and the American window, each with unique historical significance.
  • Explore the extensive graveyard to appreciate the local history and the impact of 19th-century living conditions.
  • Attend the Thursday evening Compline service for a peaceful, reflective experience in a historic setting.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Brontë Parsonage Museum and enjoy the atmospheric village of Haworth.
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Getting There

  • Train

    Take the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway from Keighley to Haworth station, a scenic 20-30 minute journey. The heritage railway runs regular services but check schedules seasonally. Tickets cost approximately £10-£15 GBP for a return trip.

  • Bus

    Local bus services connect Keighley and surrounding towns to Haworth, with a journey time of 25-40 minutes depending on route. Buses run hourly on weekdays and less frequently on weekends. A single fare typically costs £3-£5 GBP.

  • Car

    Driving to Haworth is straightforward via the A629 and A6033 roads. Parking is available in village car parks, but spaces can be limited during peak times. Expect to pay around £3-£5 GBP for parking. The village’s narrow streets may require careful navigation.

  • Walking

    For visitors staying nearby, walking to the church from Haworth village center takes about 5-10 minutes on cobbled streets with some steep sections. The terrain is uneven, so sturdy footwear is recommended.

St Michael & All Angels Church, Haworth location weather suitability

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  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Historical Foundations and Architectural Evolution

St Michael & All Angels Church stands on a site believed to have been a place of worship since before the 11th century, with the earliest written record dating to 1317. The oldest surviving part of the church is the base of its tower, constructed in 1488. Over the centuries, the church has undergone several changes, including the raising of the tower and a major rebuilding between 1879 and 1881 to address structural deterioration and sanitary concerns. This Victorian reconstruction was funded largely by local mill owner Michael Merrall, whose contributions are commemorated in the church’s stained glass windows.

The Brontë Family’s Spiritual and Cultural Legacy

The church is intimately linked to the Brontë family, especially Patrick Brontë, the parish priest from 1820 until his death in 1861. The Brontë Chapel within the church is dedicated to the entire family, except Anne Brontë who is buried elsewhere. The chapel contains a brass tablet marking the vault where Charlotte, Emily, Branwell, Maria, Elizabeth, and Patrick Brontë rest. The church also houses memorabilia such as marriage certificates and burial records, preserving the family’s poignant history.

Artistic Features and Memorials

Visitors can admire the church’s exquisite stained glass windows depicting biblical scenes, saints, and angels, including the notable Taylor Window with the twelve apostles and the American window donated by a Charlotte Brontë enthusiast. The alabaster baptismal font with marble columns, the restored J.J. Binns organ, and memorials honoring local men who died in the world wars add to the church’s rich artistic and commemorative fabric.

The Churchyard and Community Significance

The graveyard surrounding the church contains an estimated 42,000 burials, many of entire families including infants, reflecting the harsh living conditions of 19th-century Haworth. The churchyard’s history offers a sobering insight into the village’s past, marked by high child mortality and industrial-era hardships. Despite this, the church remains a vital spiritual center for the local community and a pilgrimage site for literary enthusiasts worldwide.

Modern Preservation and Visitor Experience

A substantial restoration program completed in 2011 ensured the church’s preservation, repairing roofs and maintaining its historic fabric. Today, the church welcomes visitors daily, offering a blend of worship, history, and Brontë heritage. Special services such as Thursday evening Compline and Sunday worship provide contemplative experiences amid the historic setting.

Haworth’s Enduring Literary and Cultural Context

Situated in the picturesque village of Haworth, known globally for its association with the Brontë sisters, the church complements the village’s literary attractions, including the Brontë Parsonage Museum and the surrounding moorland landscapes that inspired classic novels. The church’s presence enriches Haworth’s cultural tapestry, making it a must-visit for those interested in history, literature, and English heritage.

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