Heritage Open Day 2026
Sunday 20th September was the seventh anniversary of our first Heritage Open Day, which once again demonstrated the continued and growing interest in Farsley Rehoboth.
Our first Heritage Open Day took place following torrential early morning rain. On arrival we discovered that one of the side effects of having removed debris from the gate area in the preceding weeks was that any flooding down Coal Hill Lane drained directly into the Rehoboth entrance area.
The reason for the burial ground becoming the Farsley delta, was simply that our 150-year-old entrance was inches below road level due to the many layers of tarmac that had been added to the road surface over the decades.
The entrance was impassible through foliage and debris it had formed a dam, once removed, it became a flood plain.
We actually cancelled our first 2019 tour due to the 6-inch-deep lake, fortunately an hour later with sandbags and planks forming a walkway across the water we were able to restart.
The following year (during lockdown), a new raised entrance ledge was fitted, after a waste sewer exploded in Coal Hill Lane and we again became the recipients….
Seven years on, its fair to say we’ve learnt a thing or two. Every week we host tours but still have a big demand for our day in September, held in conjunction with Historic England and Leeds Civic Trust.
On Sunday 20th September 2026, the weather was glorious, possibly the best yet for a late September outdoor tour day.
The day started with a couple from the Isle of Skye arriving as we set up at 10.00 am for a pre-tour prior to their 3.00 pm tour.
We were delighted to oblige as all the volunteers “feed off” the enthusiasm and gracious compliments of our tour participants.
It was equally good to have our neighbours from Coal Hill, Broom Mills and Half Mile also attending and an official visit from Leeds Civic Trust.
Next September, we will do it all over again!
Thanks to all who assisted on the day as Front of House, Tour Guides and working volunteers.
To view the slideshow below, please use the left and right arrows below:
