Kildwick

Infobox UK place
latitude = 53.911664
longitude = -1.989049
official_name = Kildwick
population = 191 (2001 Census)
os_grid_reference = SE008461
civil_parish = Kildwick
shire_district = Craven
shire_county = North Yorkshire
region = Yorkshire and the Humber
country = England
post_town = KEIGHLEY
postcode_district = BD20
postcode_area = BD
dial_code = 01535
constituency_westminster = Skipton and Ripon

Kildwick is a village and civil parish of the District of Craven in North Yorkshire, England. It is situated between Skipton and Keighley and has a population of 191. [ [http://www.neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadTableView.do?a=3&b=797622&c=Kildwick&d=16&e=15&g=475280&i=1001x1003x1004&m=0&r=1&s=1209154775509&enc=1&dsFamilyId=779 Neighbourhood Statistics - Kildwick CP (Parish)] . URL accessed 25 April 2008.] The village has a number of local amenities including a primary school, church (see below), post office and public house.

It was once served by Kildwick and Crosshills railway station, which closed in 1965.

St Andrew's Church, Kildwick

Known locally as 'The Lang Kirk of Craven', St Andrew’s is a historically significant church in the village. It stands close by the Leeds - Liverpool canal.

The village of Farnhill, on the opposite side of the canal is served by the church and the larger village of Cross Hills, on the other side of the River Aire and reached by crossing one of the oldest bridges in the north of England, is also in the parish of St Andrew's.

Founded in the early days of Christianity, St Andrew’s has a history stretching back into the mists of time. The church has a connection with Bolton Priory in Wharfedale, the Manor of Kildwick coming under the jurisdiction of the Priors of Bolton between the 12th and 16th centuries.

Fragments of 9th century crosses have been excavated from its walls, evidence of the church built here before the Norman Conquest, which was replaced by one of stone four centuries later. This was later lengthened, with further extensions eastwards during the 15th and 16th centuries, so that it is now one of the longest in Yorkshire.

Many changes have taken place since then, with the last major reordering being carried out in the early 1900s. Another major reordering to meet the needs of the 21st Century is currently in its initial stages.

Charlotte Brontë and other members of the Brontë family were acquainted with the church.

References

External links

* [http://www.langkirk21.blogspot.com/ Lang Kirk 21 Blog]
* [http://www.bronte.info/ Brontë Parsonage Museum in Haworth, Yorkshire]
* [http://www.bronteparsonage.blogspot.com/ Brontë Parsonage Blog]
* [http://etext.library.adelaide.edu.au/b/bronte/charlotte/ Online editions of Charlotte Brontë's works]
*gutenberg author | id=Charlotte_Brontë | name=Charlotte Brontë