Behind the Door of St James Chapel, Woodhead

Once upon a time a King’s jeweller and former Lord Mayor of London left in his will a pot of money to build a chapel on the valley near Crowden back in 1487.

Amazingly, a version of that chapel still stands a little further down the hill today. But it’s fallen out of use.

Clare walks with Richard and Meriel, members of Crowden and Woodhead Residents Association, to hear how and why they want to breathe life back into their local church.

To volunteer your skills or time, contact the trustees via their Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1376106156205132/

Visit LongdendaleTales.co.uk for more information on the history of St James Chapel. Click on the pin which marks the chapel’s location.

This pilot project was supported by Glossop Creates as part of their Pairings programme, matched with Matt Ross at the Peak District National Park’s Longdendale Environmental Centre in Tintwistle.

Special thanks to Holly Close (assistant producer), Harry Heart (series theme music ‘Begging’), Owain Paciuszko (videos and visuals), Lauren Riley (logos and artwork) and Kate Raine (Glossop Heritage Trust research library).