Connections

We often start our walks from outside this church, this morning it was an open morning so it was interesting to see in side as some of my ancestors were married here including my great granddad and Grandma Walton who were married in 1882.

Hartshead church also as connections to the Bronte family and Robin Hood

There are parts of the Church dating back to Norman times, with a wonderful porch arch and chancel arch showing all the best qualities of the Norman style.

Patrick Bronte was the vicar here at the beginning of the nineteenth century and his daughter Charlotte based her novel “Shirley” on the area. Hartshead Church appears as Nunelly in the book.
The actions of the Chartists and the Luddites are very much part of the local history. Luddites were allegedly buried in the churchyard after a violent engagement.

Robin Hood, who is said to have been buried in the nearby Kirklees Abbey, has connection with the church here. Legend says that the old yew tree in the churchyard is the tree from which he made his final arrow!