Report - Glossop Parish Church, April 2019

[tallginge]

Glossop Parish Church

There have been several church buildings on the site of the parish church of Old Glossop. The present nave was built in the early twentieth century on the site of a structure dating from 1831 which had in turn replaced a late medieval building.The bell tower was rebuilt in 1854 and the present chancel dates from 1923.
There are a number of items of historical interest inside the church dating back to 1691.
In Paul Bush's publication "Neath Ancient Moss" he makes reference to the vicars of Glossop from C 1250 to 1987 and their contribution to the expansion of the church and the congregations. An incomplete list of vicars and dates can be seen on the wall of the bell tower at the back of the church. Paul Bush also describes the Chancel, south and north aisles and the bells in more detail in his book, which is available to buy in the church.
The churchyard contains gravestones dating back to the 1600's.

@tarkovsky and I were on our way over to Manchester to meet @Esoteric Eric recently when his ancient, non internet powered sat-nav decided to take us on a funny detour. Good job it did, really, as I saw these ladders going up the side of the church. Not only that, they went up the spire as well.

Woah , woah, fuckin woah! Stop the bus!

I'd not bought any gear with me and we hadn't the time to check it out properly so I went back - these things don't usually last long. We'd seen the bottom set of ladders had been removed to stop the vertically challenged among us from having an easy ride. I was psyched - I love a challenge. First time up a spire, too, so soon after Notre Dame. Divine intervention maybe?

I fully expected it to be harder (and have to go hunting for washing line poles, scaff tubes, etc) so went with a back up plan. That wasn't a fail either

If anyone fancies it, go soon and take a camera clamp of some kind and you'll come away some belters. If yer a pussy like me you'll want a harness, a triple length sling and two big bina's.
Hush, hush on the metal ladders, now, it's very residential and not exactly hidden

Pics are from top to bottom, in case you can't tell and I apologise for the blurriness. I took me tripod up in me jacket but didn't find a suitable spot to set it up - I was hoping to get inside

Nearly forgot about this chap on the way back down - easily done.....

​

 

[Ojay]

nice buildering problem getting to that ladder, good work man

 

[tarkovsky]

Your reaction when you spotted it from the car was classic! Haha! I have no idea how you made it to the ladder but full marks for going back and getting it done! Think I’d already had enough personal challenges that evening to even begin to think about making it up there. And I like my satnav with it’s unlikely routes - never know what you’re gonna find next! Good work!

 

[stranton]

nice work lads
assuming the church is in use?

 

[tallginge]

nice buildering problem getting to that ladder

It's all in the reach - the rest is easy if yer can climb ladders

And I like my satnav with it’s unlikely routes - never know what you’re gonna find next!

yeah man, pretty handy for 'splorin is that.

assuming the church is in use?

afraid so bud, well i assume it is, though not at 3 in the morning

 

[tarkovsky]

That pic from the top is awesome. No fancy dress tho? Oh and this reminded me that that chimney needs doing soon too.

 

[The Lone Ranger]

Good effort, you can't beat a set of steeplejack ladders. A stairway to heaven

 

[tallginge]

good stuff

thanks mate

No fancy dress tho? Oh and this reminded me that that chimney needs doing soon too

yeah i went up in wadorz mate and yeah it does - it'll be scarier than this mind

you can't beat a set of steeplejack ladders.

yeah man - was thinking of fred a lot on the way up funnily enough. I'm sure most of yers have seen these before but in case you've not......

 

[The Lone Ranger]

yeah man - was thinking of fred a lot on the way up funnily enough. I'm sure most of yers have seen these before but in case you've not......

I followed in his footsteps for about 10 years, plus a few chimneys he didn't get up

 

[tallginge]

Nice Eggborough from Ferrybridge : You've seen the rung on that ladder, right? Suppose it's still 'safe', I wonder how the timber came off though? And who was below it when it did!

 

[albino-jay]

Quality this man. Looks a bit of a challenge getting to that ladder. Id deffo be a pussy with a harness. Stiff like this grims me out. Hats off to you dude.

 

[Esoteric Eric]

Wow, I underestimated the height of that first ladder from the ground when you told me! Nice one.

 

[HughieD]

Simply would have the bottle to do that! So full marks @tallginge Something I could only (a)spire to...

 

[Exploring with Andy]

I followed in his footsteps for about 10 years, plus a few chimneys he didn't get up

Looks like Ferrybridge?

 

[tallginge]

Id deffo be a pussy with a harness.

There's some brave folk out there that wouldn't wear one i'm sure. They're only ladders and the top one's aren't even vertical Back when men were men they'd not think twice about doing this - harnesses were never used. And they'd do it after five pints. And still get paid

Wow, I underestimated the height of that first ladder from the ground when you told me!

Yeah man, bit like slim pickings, looks harder from afar. And from that camera angle Them brackets were very useful and couldn't have been better placed. Still needed go go gadget arms though. I've found where they've hidden the ladders now and that doesn't look as difficult to get to

Something I could only (a)spire to...

Very good