Discussion Forum

Ex pat wants info. on history of Heptonstall

Posted by Iris
Saturday, March 20, 2004

I spent a lot of my youth in Heptonstall, lived in Manchester but spent every available moment in Heptonstall and surrounding area. All leaves from the WAAF and sadly left UK after the war.

I have always yearned to return an have indeed done so quite often, the last time in May 2002, and will again in May 2004.

However, I would like to get a comprenhensive history of Heptonstal, how it got its name, etc. It surely must be one of the most unique villages in Yorkshire, if not Britain and mainly unsung = thank heaven.

It has a mystical, and happy association for me = my mother lived at mid slack and slack top. Help a homesick expat if you care to - anyone out there.


Posted by Leigh
Wednesday, April 21, 2004

Sorry Iris, I don't have much to offer in the way of a comprehensive history of Heptonstall. I have just moved there myself and I am learning new things about the place. I heard that only a few places in the UK have two churches within the same grounds - Heptonstall is one of them, does anyone know of the others?

If you do get hold of the information that you want I will be very interseted to read it. I have a digital camera, if you would like a few pics of the place just let me know.


Posted by Diana Monahan
Friday, December 3, 2004

The commonly accepted meaning of the name Heptonstall is from the old English "Hep" - Wild Rose or Dog Rose, and "Tunstall" - a farmstead where cattle were pastured: so - "Rose Farm". Hebden was once spelt Hepden, thus "Hep-dene" - "Rose valley". Hebden Bridge was also once Heptonbrigg.

I have also heard of the interpretation of Hep meaning High.

Westminster Abbey is one example of two churches on the same site, one a ruin. I believe there is another in Norfolk.