St Michael and all Angels church
Built in the 14c Haworth church stands on an ancient pagan religious site. Originally called St Michaels as was common when building christian churchs over pre existing religionsas St Michael represents christianity slaying the dragon of paganism. The name was later changed to St Michael and all Angels - Maybe St Michael needed a hand defeating their sworn enemies in this little village. We can only presume they failed as Haworth remains a hotbed of spirit activity and attracts seekers of the other from all over the world.
The tower is oriented North, South , East and West appearing to acknowledge the shape of the landscape and marking the passage of the sun on the summer solstice along the valley to natural markers on the horizon. A ley line can be drawn through the church that intersects places such as Sun Street and ancient burial grounds indicating an more ancient understanding and worship of nature.
The ley line runs, not quite exactly East - West and can be followed for many miles through Bradford to the East and towards Pendle hill in the West.
From a position at the top of Druids hill to the East of Haworth , the church appears to sit in the centre of the valley and the sun sets directly behind it, down a 'nick' on the horizon during the summer solstice. |