Church of St Mary le Ghyll, Barnoldswick

The Church of St Mary le Ghyll stands in Ghyll Lane, Barnoldswick, Lancashire. It is an active Anglican parish church in the Diocese of Leeds, with its benefice united with two other local churches. The building is recorded on the National Heritage List for England as a Grade I listed structure. The church replaced an earlier one around 1160, built by monks from Fountains Abbey. Its tower was added in 1524, marking a key phase in its development. The church is built of stone with a slate roof, featuring a nave, chancel, south aisle, and west tower. The tower has buttresses, a stair turret, gargoyles, and a three-light west window. Inside, an octagonal arcade supports the roof, and box pews fill the space. A 17th-century three-decker pulpit remains on the north wall, along with painted boards displaying scripture texts. The church also holds a ring of six bells, including early 18th-century castings by Abraham Rudhall I. Outside, the churchyard contains a Grade II-listed building from 1824, possibly a watch or bier house. War graves from both world wars are marked there, including those of six soldiers and three Royal Navy personnel. The church’s architecture and artefacts reflect centuries of local history, from medieval origins to later additions. Its well-preserved features offer a quiet space for reflection amid Barnoldswick’s surroundings.