Halifax Minster

The Minster Church of St John the Baptist in Halifax dates to the 1400s, though there is evidence of stonework from earlier periods. It has, of course, been altered over the years, though it still contains wooden box pews from the 1600s. Most of the medieval stained glass was removed during the Puritan Commonwealth period (mid 1600s) and there are several leaded windows with plain glass from this period. Most of the stained glass that now exists, including the East window, is Victorian.

It's a large church and quite dark inside, full of dark stonework, heavy wooden pews and a dark panelled ceiling, that is actually painted but difficult to see the detail. It has, however, a friendly and cosy feel despite its size and it's full of beautiful and interesting features, including two lovely side chapels (see one below).  The sun was shining through the windows when I was there, casting coloured light onto the walls and pews, and I chose to capture random aspects that suggest the play of light and colour in the dark interior.