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All the United Kingdom England Lancashire Holden Wood Antiques

Holden Wood Antiques

This antique shop and tea room reside inside a twice defunct church that was moved stone by stone to its current location.

Lancashire, England

Added By
Alan Newman
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Holden Wood Antiques   Ian Greig
Holden Wood Antiques   Ian Greig
Holden Wood Antiques   Ian Greig
Holden Wood Antiques   Dr Alan P Newman / Atlas Obscura User
Holden Wood Antiques   Ian Greag
Holden Wood Antiques   J thomas
  rbenn250 / Atlas Obscura User
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About

St. Stephen's Church was originally constructed in 1867 at Crowtrees, just over a mile from the present site of the building. However, during the start of the 20th century, the population of the surrounding valley slowly decreased. This was due in large part to the Bury and District Water Board, as they began purchasing farms, houses, and mills in preparation for the Grane reservoirs. This effectively depopulated the area. Soon, attendance at the church began to decline until the entire congregation was no more. The building then fell into a massive state of disrepair.

Meanwhile, the population of nearby Haslingden ballooned in response to a boom in the textile industry. When a local company donated land in Haslingden for the establishment of a church, the Bishop of Manchester suggested that the derelict St. Stephen's Church be relocated. The church was thus reconsecrated in 1927. This included the dedication of a stained glass window commemorating local men whose lives were lost to the battlefields of World War I. This window is now listed on the United Kingdom's War Memorials Register.

However, this relocation would prove unsuccessful, as attendance during the late 20th century once again dwindled. The church eventually closed for the second time in 1986. 

In 1991, the church was sold and transformed into an antique shop complete with tea rooms. The new owners installed a mezzanine floor and maintained most of the historic stained glass. Within the shop, visitors are treated to numerous cases filled with antiques and collectibles. There is also a specialty area dedicated to militaria known as "The Eagles Nest." 

The mezzanine floor allows for a closer look at the hammer-beam roof. The tea rooms were constructed into a light, airy extension of the shop. It's the most relaxing of settings after a day spent perusing the shop's offerings. 

Related Tags

Collections World War I Churches Antiquities Shops Sacred Spaces

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Open every day from 10:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.

Community Contributors

Added By

Dr Alan P Newman

Edited By

rbenn250

  • rbenn250

Published

February 28, 2020

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Sources
  • https://www.iwm.org.uk/memorials/item/memorial/18706
  • http://www.abandonedcommunities.co.uk/haslingdengrane3.html
  • https://britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/101361962-former-church-of-st-stephen-rossendale#.XkXM68Wnzag
Holden Wood Antiques
Grane Rd.
Lancashire, England, BB4 4PA
United Kingdom
53.699012, -2.34381
Visit Website
Get Directions

Nearby Places

'Halo'

Haslingden, England

miles away

Holly Mount School Tower

Rawtenstall, England

miles away

Mr Fitzpatrick's Temperance Bar

Rawtenstall, England

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Lancashire

Lancashire

England

Places 2
Stories 2

Nearby Places

'Halo'

Haslingden, England

miles away

Holly Mount School Tower

Rawtenstall, England

miles away

Mr Fitzpatrick's Temperance Bar

Rawtenstall, England

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Lancashire

Lancashire

England

Places 2
Stories 2

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