Bell 1 of 10
Founded by Joseph Bradwell 1822
Dove Bell ID: 55048 Tower ID: 20715 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Diocese of Leeds
Church, 646288
http://www.upperwensleydalechurch.orgGrid reference: SD 872 897
St Margaret's church is a mid-19th century building by A. B. Higham replacing a previous small chapel. One of the larger churches in Wensleydale, its tower is topped on one corner with a spirelet, giving it a distinct appearance, standing tall in Hawes atop its hill. Inside, there is notable woodwork by Robert 'Mouseman' Thompson and Lyndon Hammel. Around the church and churchyard are memorials to notable local families, such as the Metcalfes.
Building is open for worship
Footprint of Church buildings: 460 m²
The present building was built 1850-51, to the designs of Wakefield-based architect A. B. Higham (preferred to alternative designs submitted by George Street). It replaced a previous chapel sat at the bottom of the hill next to the road, which was an early 17th century building. By the mid-19th century, the old church could no longer accommodate the growing congregation in Hawes and it was agreed to fundraise for a new, bigger space. The build was well-supported, with over 200 donors contributing to the £2,450 overall cost.
The old church was demolished, with little of it remaining apart from some slates reused on the new church roof and a handful of memorials and pieces of furniture which were transferred. The oldest of these memorials is a tombstone dated 1696 commemorating a Metcalfe (a name of local significance). In 1996, a rare 1650, Commonwealth era bell was relocated from St Giles', Sheldon to St Margaret's, where it is now hung in the tower. The bell, cast by John Martin of Worcester, is thought to be one of only two examples of a bell cast during Oliver Cromwell's Protectorate.
Sandstone
1851
Yoredale Sandstone
Slate
1851
Slate
St Margaret's church has a fine collection of Mouseman pews, with the archetypal mice running up the arms. A set of matching pews were supplied by one of Mouseman's former employees, with faces of cats carved into the pew ends, offering a pleasing, playful contrast to the mice. The nave is also notable for its high ceiling, with a steep pitch, echoing the high pointed arches to the chancel and aisles.
Bell 1 of 10
Founded by Joseph Bradwell 1822
Dove Bell ID: 55048 Tower ID: 20715 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Weight: 1076 lbs Diameter: 38.5" Bell 2 of 10
Founded by John I Martin 1650
Dove Bell ID: 55049 Tower ID: 20715 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Bell 3 of 10
Founded by Harrington, Latham & Co 1887
Dove Bell ID: 55050 Tower ID: 20715 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Bell 4 of 10
Founded by Harrington, Latham & Co 1887
Dove Bell ID: 55051 Tower ID: 20715 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Bell 5 of 10
Founded by Harrington, Latham & Co 1887
Dove Bell ID: 55052 Tower ID: 20715 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Bell 6 of 10
Founded by Harrington, Latham & Co 1887
Dove Bell ID: 55053 Tower ID: 20715 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Bell 7 of 10
Founded by Harrington, Latham & Co 1887
Dove Bell ID: 55054 Tower ID: 20715 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Bell 8 of 10
Founded by Harrington, Latham & Co 1887
Dove Bell ID: 55055 Tower ID: 20715 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Bell 9 of 10
Founded by Harrington, Latham & Co 1887
Dove Bell ID: 55056 Tower ID: 20715 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Bell 10 of 10
Founded by Harrington, Latham & Co 1887
Dove Bell ID: 55057 Tower ID: 20715 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Grid reference: SD 872 897
It is unknown whether the building is consecrated.
It is unknown whether the churchyard has been used for burial.
It is unknown whether the churchyard is used for burial.
The churchyard has war graves.
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
There are no records of Ancient, Veteran or Notable Trees within the curtilage of this site.
| Renewable | Installed |
|---|---|
| Solar PV Panels | No |
| Solar Thermal Panels | No |
| Biomass | No |
| Wind Turbine | No |
| Air Source Heat Pump | No |
| Ground Source Heat Pump | No |
| Ev Charging | No |
There are no records of species within the curtilage of this site.
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
More information on species and action to be taken upon discovery.
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
If you notice something incorrect or missing, please explain it in the form below and submit it to our team for review.