Following the defeat of Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo a Commission was set up to build churches as a means of giving thanks and commemorating the victory. The churches are also known as Million (Act) Churches because that was the sum, £1m, initially granted for their construction, in Acts of 1818 and 1824. Shipley Parish Church, St Paul's, on Kirkgate, was one of those built at that time, completed in 1826 to serve the growing population of Shipley. I still think it rather imposing. You can read its history HERE.
Incidentally, whilst researching my family tree I discovered that I have a great grand-uncle, Henry Marriott, who, in 1888 aged 25, was married here to Selina Edmondson. He was born in Derbyshire, where that side of my family originated. He was a railway porter and must have moved to Yorkshire for work. It's coincidental that I myself ended up here 100 or so years later.
It is a lovely aged church. Nice that you have a family link to it.
ReplyDeleteMagnificent!
ReplyDeleteThat is certainly an impressive looking church and as you noted, very imposing. Thanks for the link to its history, which I plan to read.
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