Heptonstall Museum: Volunteer-led charity takes over Grade II-listed Yorkshire museum which featured in The Gallows Pole

The Grade II listed museum, at Church Yard Bottom, was placed on the council’s transfer list in response to the pandemic and financial challenges, which paved for the way for locals to set up a Friends group and step in.

It comes as Heptonstall celebrates its place on the national map, recently featuring in The Gallows Pole TV drama series about the story of David Hartley and the Cragg Vale Coiners.

Now the Friends (FOHM) aims to showcase and encourage participation, understanding and involvement in making the most of Heptonstall’s broad and diverse talent. It is keen to celebrate Heptonstall’s evolution into a uniquely preserved hilltop village, whilst preserving its proud past encompassing economic, social and artistic determination – true ‘Yorkshire grit’.

Following some one-off openings for special FOHM-led events during the community asset transfer process, including Heritage Open Days, the Sylvia Plath Literary Festival and a ‘preview and performance’ day, the museum is now open every week from Thursday to Sunday after being closed since 2019, and is run entirely by volunteers.

FOHM’s initial focus is on making the most of the national interest in Heptonstall with an exhibition linked to The Gallows Pole. ‘Criminal Coiners: Life and Death in Wild West Yorkshire’ tells the story of the Cragg Vale Coiners, a set of counterfeiters who debased gold coins in the late 18th century to supplement the money they made from weaving.

The ‘coiners’ were led by David Hartley, whose grave lies in the graveyard next to the museum.

The charity will be seeking grant funding to carry out works to the building and is looking at the potential to make better use of areas which are currently unused.

Tim Machin, Friends of Heptonstall Museum chair, said: "This will be a museum for the whole community, created by the whole community of Heptonstall and the wider Calder Valley. Alongside our Gallows Pole exhibition, we have a rich and varied programme of events, including talks, walks, poetry readings and music which really help bring this exciting place to life.”

As part of its Future Council work, the council explored interest from community groups to take over the running of some of its buildings, and the FOHM had to submit a business plan before they secured the building’s lease.

Coun Jenny Lynn, the council’s cabinet member for public services and communities, said: “The brilliant work, exhibitions and events led by the talented Friends of Heptonstall Museum volunteers will be a key part of our Year of Culture 2024.”

Heptonstall Museum building dates back to 1600. Built as a warehouse, it was converted to a grammar school in 1771 and closed in 1889. The Yorkshire Penny Bank occupied it from 1898 until 1954. It became a museum in August 1972.

See leaders