St James the Great
Silsden, Yorkshire
In 1712 the church was built as a chapel of ease in a farmer’s barn.
The village of Steeton is ancient, predating the ecclesiastical parish by about 1000 years and St Stephen’s church is an important and growing church and we are a significant focal point in our local community. The church's foundation stone was laid in 1880 and consecrated in 1881. The church and the adjacent church hall are situated in the oldest part of the village. Both buildings are Grade II listed in a designated Conservation Area.
The style of architecture is Early English, and the church is built entirely of stone, which was mostly obtained from Strikes Delf, above Sutton. The church would have accommodation for about 270 people when it was first built. The principal feature of the church is the tower and spire which together rise to a height of 96 feet, on each face of the belfry stage are two light windows. Lucarne lights are placed on the cardinal bases of the spire. The tower contains one bell, but it has been arranged so that it will hold a full peal of bells.