endlessrarities | The Church of St Mary the Virgin, Pately Bridge

It's obscure churches time, everyone, and an introduction to one of the lovely historic sites to be seen in and around Pately Bridge in Yorkshire (not including The Oldest Sweetshop in England...)

I'm not a fan of organised religion, but I find abandoned churches rather unhappy places. There's something imposing about an abbey, but a tiny little church that's fallen into disrepair just seems forlorn.

Tucked away on the outskirts of Pately Bridge are the remains of the old parish church. It has its origins in the 14th century, but the imposing tower is much later, having been added in the 17th century:-

The ruins can be accessed along the Panorama Walk from Pately Bridge, and it's easy to see why the church fell into disuse in 1826. It was too small for the needs of the parish, and it was rather inaccessible.

It's a very odd little church, being rather squat and unusually broad in shape.

I'll end now with an Atmospheric Photograph of the site. And tomorrow, I'll show you some of the delights of the graveyard.