Saltaire United Reformed Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Saltaire United Reformed Church |
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The western frontage of the church
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| Location | Saltaire, West Yorkshire |
| OS grid reference | SE 138 381 |
| Built | 1858–1859 |
| Architect | Lockwood and Mawson |
| Architectural style(s) | Italianate Classical |
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Listed Building – Grade I
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| Designated | 22 November 1966 |
| Reference no. | 1314229 |
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The Saltaire United Reformed Church is a beautiful church located in Saltaire, West Yorkshire, England. It was originally known as Saltaire Congregational Church. A famous local businessman named Titus Salt paid for the church to be built in the mid-1800s. This church is a very important building, listed as a Grade I listed building. It is also part of the amazing Saltaire World Heritage Site.
Contents
Building a Special Church
Titus Salt was a very religious man who belonged to the Congregational church. When he started to plan his special new town, called a model village, in Saltaire, the church was the very first public building he decided to build. Mr. Salt gave the land for the church and paid for everything himself. It cost him £16,000 back in 1858, which was a huge amount of money!
Who Designed the Church?
The church was designed by two architects from Bradford, named Lockwood and Mawson. They also designed many other buildings in Saltaire. They chose a style called Italianate Classical, which looks a bit like old Roman buildings. Local companies helped build the church. John Ives did all the woodwork and carvings, and Moulton Brothers handled the stone work.
A New Name for the Church
Since 1972, the church has been called Saltaire United Reformed Church. This happened after the Congregational Church in England and Wales joined together with the Presbyterian Church of England.
Repairs After a Storm
In February 2020, a big storm called Storm Dennis caused some damage to the church. Part of the ceiling was badly affected and fell down. By April 2021, plans were being made to fix the plasterwork. The church also looked for help to pay for other repairs and to make the building more secure.
What the Church Looks Like
The first stone of the church was laid by Titus Salt's wife, Caroline Salt, in 1856. The church officially opened in 1859. It was built using local stone that was carefully cut and shaped.
Outside the Church
The main part of the church, called the nave, does not have side aisles. At the front, there is a round entrance area with columns, known as a semi-circular portico. On top of this portico is a round tower with a clock on each side. Above the clocks, there is an eight-sided section with columns and a dome on top. The roof of the main church building is made of Welsh slate, and it has large, simple windows.
Inside the Church
The church has a large organ that was added in 1890. It was built by a company called Conacher and Co. from Huddersfield. This organ has been rebuilt twice since then. Two very large chandeliers hang from the ceiling in the middle of the nave. These chandeliers were originally lit by gas! On the south side of the nave, there is a special burial place called the Salt family mausoleum. Sir Titus Salt himself was buried there in 1877.
See Also
- Grade I listed buildings in West Yorkshire
- Listed buildings in Saltaire
