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St Cuthberts Church, Ackworth, Pontefract

St Cuthbert's Church in Ackworth has a rich history dating back to the Anglo-Saxon period. Here are some key points:

 

Origins: The church is named after St Cuthbert, the monk and sixth Bishop of Lindisfarne, who died in 688. His body was carried from place to place by monks to escape the Danes, and Ackworth was one of the resting places.

 

Norman Conquest: After the Norman Conquest, the church came into the hands of the Norman family of de Lacy. The village became part of the Honour of Pontefract until Stuart times1.

 

Architecture: The oldest part of the current church is the 14th-century tower, which stands 68 feet tall and contains a peal of six bells. The church was restored in 1852 after a fire damaged the nave and chancel.

 

Historical Significance: The church has records dating back to 1558, which can be invaluable for tracing family trees. It has been part of various dioceses over the centuries, including Lincoln, York, Wakefield, and now Leeds.

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Uploaded on June 7, 2023
Taken on September 26, 2022