History

Dent: The Church's elevated position makes it a prominent landmark in the Dale. It has served the small farming community for at least 1000 years. You can still see Norman features in the Tower, the Nave (including the pillars) and the Norman-arched doorway, now blocked but clearly visible from the outside, in the north-facing wall.

The box pews in the side aisles are 17th century. Those in the south aisle are the family pews of the '24 Sidesmen,' a body of local landowners dating from 1429. They still exist today, taking turns with the Bishop to appoint the Vicar and meeting annually to distribute ancient charities.

The Sill Memorial is a constant reminder of Dent's historical connection with the slave trade. The Sill brothers made their fortunes from West Indian sugar and built Whernside Manor with the proceeds. They also brought slaves to Dent. The substantial dry stone walls built with dressed stones around Whernside may have been constructed by the slaves.

Adam Sedgwick, one of the fathers of British geology was born in Dent and members of his family provided two vicars for the parish in the 19th century. The fountain on Main Street commemorates Dent's most famous son.

Cowgill: This remote church was built in 1838 and became the reason for Adam Sedgwick's famous Memorial of Dent, when an upstart curate, the Rev. Sumner tried to change the name of the village. Sedgwick used his influence at Court to get Queen Victoria to lean on Gladstone to pass an Act of Parliament to resolve the issue. Today you can enjoy it's tranquility and idyllic setting.