Hawes Junction Chapel, Garsdale Head

About

Mount Zion Chapel was opened in 1876, the same year in which the Midland Railway Company opened the famous Settle to Carlisle railway, serving the local community of railway employees and farmers.

Strategically placed at a confluence of dales, from the chapel windows can be seen Garsdale (formerly Hawes Junction) station, and the Dandrymire viaduct. With its railway connections and historic interest, it remains one of the most beautiful and best decorated of wayside chapels.

Built by the stonemasons Groves & Woodiwiss who had built the new station and cottages, the style matched that of the cottages, with a front of Bradford stone. The chapel was painted in the colours of the Midland Railway: maroon and cream. As far as we know, this is the only place of worship to be built by railway contractors. Reuben Alton laid the foundation stone on May 1st 1876, to coincide with the opening of the Settle to Carlisle line to passenger trains.
The chapel was completed for the opening services on October 7th 1876 and was originally known as Mount Zion. For over a hundred years, the chapel thrived, regular weekly services continued up to 1999 when the congregation became too small.

Hawes Junction forms part of a trail of small chapels linked to the history of the railways and religion in the Western Dales.
The Carlisle to Settle railway line was built between 1870-1876, by Midland Railway Company. It was one of the most difficult railways to construct in the UK. Its 73 miles include 20 viaducts and 14 tunnels cut by hand through steep, often boggy, isolated and exposed countryside. Over 6,000 'navvies' lived and worked in appalling conditions during its construction. The Methodists in this part of Cumbria were significant providers of welfare and spiritual help to the railway workers.

Key Features

Social heritage stories
National heritage here
Famous connections
Captivating architecture
 

Visitor information

Walkers & cyclists welcome
Space to secure your bike
Parking within 250m
On street parking at church
Level access to the main areas
Dog friendly
Accessible toilets nearby
 

Opening Times

Open everyday 9am to 5pm.