Discover Holme-on-Spalding-Moor

On a trip to Holme-on-Spalding-Moor, historic buildings and railway trails can appeal to different interests. The area’s architectural history includes churches and chapels, a medieval grange, a fortified site and a canal lock. The trails are described in terms of their length, route and permitted modes of travel. You can therefore focus your planning on either the buildings or specific route characteristics.

Churches and Chapels

All Saints in Holme-on-Spalding-Moor is a Grade I listed building. The church is not generally open to the public; access must be arranged with the Churchwarden. Make these arrangements before your visit. Bursea Chapel, a Chapel of Ease for All Saints designed by William Butterfield, lies south of Holme-on-Spalding-Moor. It is usually open during daylight hours; check opening times before you travel. The arrangements therefore differ: All Saints requires an appointment in advance, while Bursea Chapel is usually open during the day.

Old School Chapel was originally a National School and is now a chapel. Its transition from educational to religious use makes this change of function a historical subject in its own right. The building thus adds its former educational role to the area’s church history.

Medieval Sites and Canal Construction

Park Closes is a rare example of a medieval grange with a moat and is associated with a medieval deer park. The connection with the deer park is part of the site’s historical context; its rarity also makes it a notable example of this type of site. A moated fortified site lies 170 m north-west of Wholsea Farm and is well preserved.

Sodhouse Lock is a single canal lock built of dressed stone. Dressed stone refers to worked stone blocks; together with its single-lock design, this gives the structure a distinct technical and architectural character. Unlike the churches and chapels, this site focuses on canal construction.

Railway Trails and Route Selection

The Howdenshire Rail Trail runs for nine miles to Bubwith and is almost straight and flat. Its length describes the extent of the route, while its flat, straight course characterises its layout. These features give you different points of reference when choosing a route based on length and shape.

The railway trail from Market Weighton to Bubwith can be used by walkers, cyclists and horse riders. This adds another selection criterion to considerations of length and route: the permitted mode of travel. You can weigh these different aspects separately when planning your route. Both trails lead to Bubwith, but the information answers different planning questions: the Howdenshire Rail Trail is nine miles long and almost straight and flat; for the route from Market Weighton, the permitted modes of travel are specified.

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