Dewsbury Minster – Mother Church of West Yorkshire

Story

Dewsbury Minster or All Saints Church is a Church of England Parish church in Dewsbury, Kirklees, West Yorkshire. It dates from the 13th century and was rebuilt in 1895. It is situated on Vicarage Road and Church Street in the centre of the town. It became a minster church in 1994. In 1949 it became a Grade II* listed church.HistoryThe north arcade of the church dates from 1220. The south arcade was built later that century. The ceiling of the nave was built in the 15th century. The tower and north aisle were built around 1767 and designed by John Carr. In 1850, the ceiling was raised allowing more space for an organ loft to be installed. From 1884 to 1888, the church was extended to the designs of A.E. Street (the son of George Edmund Street) and A.H. Kirk. The east window and new pews were added during this time. In 1895, the south aisle was demolished and rebuilt in the Gothic revival style.In 1912, a new carved-oak reredos was added, depicting Jesus Christ and the twelve apostles.In 2013, the church received a grant from Kirklees Borough Council for £25,00 to build exterior lights to illuminate the church at night.