Malcolm Bull's Calderdale Companion : Foldout

Old Brigg Chapel, Sowerby Bridge

Old Brigg Chapel, Sowerby Bridge was built in 1526 as a chapel of ease for Halifax Parish Church.

It stood on the County Bridge on the north bank of the Calder on

a parcel of land, 26 yards in length and 8 in breadth

In April 1539, John Lumb bequeathed

6/8d to the emend'cion of a bell at the chapel

In 1632, it was rebuilt at a cost of £67 7/7d. The walls were raised and galleries were added. It accommodated 426 worshippers.

The township of Skircoat paid one-sixth of the cost, and Norland and Warley each paid half of the balance.

Subsequent Ministers at the Chapel have included

Rev Richard Fisher [1746]
Rev James Franks [1802]

During the time of Rev Franks, efforts were made to build a new, larger Church, but this did not come about until 1821 when Christ Church was built.

In 1821, it was superseded by Christ Church, Sowerby Bridge and was demolished. The materials were sold at auction.

The Chapel is illustrated in Buildings in the Town & Parish of Halifax.

A new building with housing was built on the site. This began to sink towards the river and was demolished. A seating area now stands on the site.

The Halifax Weekly Courier of 1914, quoted from a poem by Frederick William Cronhelm entitled A Wreath for Catherine's Grave [1842] which described the Chapel and its passing

There is a spot in Calderdale
 beneath the Norland wood
Where years ago, by an ancient tree,
 a lowly chapel stood;
It is a green and sheltered nook
 just where the rivers meet,
The Calder and the Ribourne stream,
 by Lofty Werla's feet

and

That chapel is gone with its belfry tower -
 They have taken the altar and cross
From the living stream their fathers chose
 to their own dear sluggish fosse;
Nor mouldering stone, nor legend dim,
 beguiles the pilgrim there;
But over its place, like a mourner, droops
 that tall Acacia fair.

See Frederick William Cronhelm

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