The tower at Lightcliffe near Halifax in Yorkshire is all that remains of old St Matthew’s church. And it has a very special connection – it is the final resting place of Ann Walker, companion of Anne Lister, of BBC Gentleman Jack fame.
The recent BBC series has brought more visitors than ever to the spot; and while the green velvet-lined pew they installed has long gone, the history of the couples’ intimate connection with the church remains – along with a memorial brass plaque to Ann Walker which we rescued, and hangs high up in the tower, in need of restoration.
Explore the story of Ann Walker and Lightcliffe church, in this blog post by Ian Philp, chair of the Friends of St Matthew’s Churchyard.