St Matthew's Churchyard, Lightcliffe, and Till Carr Cottage
This churchyard was previously known as St Matthew's Church Mortuary, Lightcliffe. The old St Matthew's Church at Lightcliffe was rebuilt in 1775 but fell into disrepair and was replaced by the new St Matthew's Church further west along Wakefield Road in the late 19th century.
The old church was earmarked for demolition in 1969 and most of the building was eventually torn down. However, Ivor Bulmer-Thomas, appointed Chairman of the Redundant Churches Fund and founder of 'Friends of Friendless Churches' managed to save the Lightcliffe Tower, now a local landmark. The Friends of the Churchyard have an excellent website which is worth a visit.
To the rear right of the cemetery, and formerly within the cemetery grounds, is Till Carr Cottage. Whilst it is not a traditional lodge, this picturesque cottage overlooking the churchyard has presumably served as one in the past. It was originally built in 1634 on a site to the West of the church and was moved to its current site around the time that the churchyard was enlarged. An ancient plaque on the wall of Till Carr Cottage tells us:
This house was removed from the west end of the churchyard enlarged by Evan Charles Sutherland Walker and Alice his wife, AD 1866.
At the time of posting Till Carr Cottage is on the market with Marsh and Marsh, Halifax, at £450,000. It has been beautifully restored to a high standard. It has been on the market since 30th Jan 2025, and the agent's external photos show it in the wintery sunshine.
Till Carr Cottage, Till Carr Lane, Lightcliffe, HX3 8UB, £450,000.
