The Development of Lower Wyke

Pre 1086
The settlement of Wyke was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 under the name of Wiche. The place name may have had Saxon origins as Wyche means ‘place of the well’.

17th century
The hamlet of Lower Wyke is likely to have evolved following the
construction of the Manor House in the 17th century. A number of
farmsteads were built around this time on either side of Lower Wyke Lane and- a linear settlement began to form.  Lower Wyke Lane was the main road to Bradford before the laying of the Huddersfield & Bradford Road A641.

18th century
A group of Moravian settlers arrived in Lower Wyke in 1753 and so
started a period of notable development within the hamlet. The
Moravian Church was built in 1775, replacing a smaller chapel, a  minister’s house was added in 1795.

19th century
By 1809 the settlement was known as Lower Wyke and its form is
already easily recognisable, though neither Whitehall Road nor
Huddersfield Road had been constructed. Lower Wyke Lane was
part of the most direct route between Wyke and Bailiff Bridge.

20th century
The boundary and size of the Lower Wyke has altered little since the 19th century and thus the hamlet has retained much of its quiet rural character. The special character and setting of the attractive cluster of 18th century and 19th century buildings around the churchyard is relatively unspoilt by unsympathetic modern development.

Extract from  the Conservation Area Apprasial 2006.

Map of Lower Wyke BD12 9HD

Lower Wyke is one of four Moravian Settlements established in Yorkshire in the early eighteenth century.

It is situated in a beautiful, rural part of West Yorkshire, between Brighouse and Bradford, and is perfect as a place to come for contemplation and retreat.

The chapel (above) was built in 1753 but it wasn’t until 1755 that it was officially recognised as a Moravian congregation. In 1775, the original chapel was replaced by the present building. Seven years later, a Sister’s House was built as a residence and workshop for the single ladies of the congregation who were employed mainly in needlework.

In 1794, a Boarding School for Girls was opened, and two years later this was enlarged to meet the demand. The School continued to meet a need until 1893 by which time the building of other secondary schools in the area made the continuation of the work impracticable and the buildings were converted to private dwellings.

The Minister’s House adjoining the chapel was rebuilt in 1795, and a further extension was added some time later.  

The present Sunday School building was erected in 1881 although work among the children had been going on since 1802. The Men’s Institute was added to the Sunday School building in 1908.

The chapel remains a fine example of early Moravian ecclesiastical architecture in which the congregation is seated across the width of the building instead of along the depth, an arrangement designed to contribute an atmosphere of informality and intimacy to congregation worship.

The chuch makes use of both liturgical and free forms of worship as the occasion demands. One characteristic service which has been a feature from its inception is the Lovefeast, an informal service which is held on anniversary days during which each person partakes of a cup of tea and a bun. The Holy Communion Service is also held each month on the first sunday and is open to believers from any denomination who wish to join with the congregation in communion.

There are somethings which are specifically ‘Moravian’, e.g. a lighted Advent Star is hung in their churches and homes during Advent. The Christingle Service first established by the moravians has been adopted by many other denominations.

The Congregation at Lower Wyke is mindful of, and protective of, its heritage, but it is also very community-minded, committed, dynamic and forward-looking. It is the desire of the congregation at Lower Wyke to live out the love of Jesus Christ in this community as it has done for over 250 years. We realise the need for transformational love today and we pray that it will continue for many years to come.