On Saturday 8 September at 12 noon, Harrogate’s only Grade I listed building opens its doors for the first weekend of Heritage Open Days 2018.
For the first time the church will be displaying some of its most beautiful vestments and pieces of silver, as well as focusing on the work of Frances Darlington, the female artist who created the stunning Darlington Panels in the church.
Rebecca Oliver, Facilities Manager at St Wilfrid Harrogate said:
Heritage Open Days this year are focusing on the theme of ‘Extraordinary Women’ – women whose stories may have been overlooke.
So our tours this year will look at the work of Frances Darlington, who worshipped here at St Wilfrid’s, and whose work is also seen in the Harrogate Theatre and Harrogate Ladies College.
We will also be telling the story of the Trotter sisters – one of whom tragically died on a visit to Harrogate. The surviving sister Elizabeth wanted to do something significant to remember her beloved sibling, so she helped to build St Wilfrid’s by becoming a major financial donor.
The tours will also include glimpses of the church building that are rarely seen by the public, including the crypt and belltower. The views from the belltower are spectacular and well worth the effort of climbing all the steps!
The tours are free and you can reserve a place on the 12.30pm, 1pm or 1.30pm tour by emailing bookings@stwilfrid.org or calling 01423 504629.
