CORNER OF YORKSHIRE

Bramhope Puritan Chapel

DURING the medieval period the land to the north of Leeds was owned by the Cistercian monks at Kirkstall Abbey. After the dissolution of the monasteries of 1536-41 some of it came into the hands of one William Dyneley, who established the family home at Bramhope Hall.

In 1649 William’s great grandson, Robert Dyneley built a small chapel next to the hall for worship by Protestants who sought to purify the Church of England of its Roman Catholic influence. The Grade I listed building is a now rare example of such churches, which were built during the Commonwealth Period of 1645-1660 when Oliver Cromwell had the title of Lord Protector and governed the country as a republic following the trial and execution of Charles I. Following the restoration of the Monarchy and crowning of Charles II in 1661, the chapel became part of the Parish of Otley, although no one has been able to find any record of it being consecrated. While the first baptism was recorded in 1667 the small octagonal stone font has been dated to 1673. The architecture is plain in the classic Puritan style. Inside there are no paintings, no stained glass windows and few adornments. Outside, iron railings were fixed around the north windows to stop curious cattle from causing unwelcome distractions during services.

The Bramhope Hall estate and chapel were sold in 1920. The hall was demolished and is now occupied by a hotel. The condition of the chapel deteriorated but was restored in the 1960s and is owned by Bramhope and Carlton Parish Council.