Heritage
Preserving our heritage and environment so that it can be enjoyed now and in the future.
Sanctuary in The Dales
Principally, St John the Evangelist Church is a place of Christian worship open to locals and visitors every day. Located in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, the historic church building and beautiful grounds offer sanctuary to people, protect the habitat of wildlife and enable flourishing of flora and fauna.
Thomas Higson Percy
Commonwealth War Grave
Thomas Higson Percy was born in Giggleswick, near Settle, to James and Matilda Percy in the second quarter of 1893. Thomas was the youngest of 8 children. In 1901, the family were living at 2 Arminstead House, Giggleswick.
Ten years later, it was just James and Thomas, now aged 17, living in Tems Street, Giggleswick. Thomas was working in the Cotton Mill as an oiler and bander but by 1914 he was working in the quarries.
On 26th December 1914, Thomas married Lily Clark in Langcliffe Church.
They moved to a cottage at Holmehead, The Locks, in Langcliffe. Their daughter, Irene, was born in 1915.
In 1910, Thomas had joined the Settle branch of the Cadet Corps of the Territorial Force. With other local lads he would have trained at weekends and in the evenings in the Drill Hall in Settle and the firing range up at Attermire. Summer camps were held at Ripon, Flamborough and Marske.
With the outbreak of war on 4th August 1914, the Territorial Force became part of the 6th Battalion of the Duke of Wellington's Regiment. Thomas, along with many others, volunteered for foreign service and left Settle on 9th September 1914 for Riby training camp. In October the battalion moved to Doncaster. Here they drilled, marched, dug trenches and practised musketry and night raids.
On 9th March 1915, Thomas was at the Bradford Infirmary to have an operation for a hernia. This had been caused following an accident on a bicycle where he had been accidentally thrown against the handlebars on 26th January.
Unfortunately, something went horribly wrong when the anaesthetic was administered. Thomas died. He was only 21.
Thomas was buried in Langcliffe Churchyard on 13th March 1915.
Historical account contributed by Kate Croll.
Want to know more?
Local History
We have many resources and accounts of local history within the church, that visitors are welcome to view. You may also find some of the following links to websites useful...
Yorkshire Dales Community Archives
Start and Heart of The Dales
We are located at one of the gateways to The Yorkshire Dales. Rural life is at the heart of our community. Our churchyard is a haven for wildlife and is located within the Yorkshire Dales National Park conservation area.
Learn more by visiting us. The links below may also be of interest if you are visiting the area.
