The church was built in 1839 by William Rookes Crompton-Stansfield for use as a private family chapel. The building, originally without chancel, was not consecrated until 2nd September 1853 by the then Bishop of Ripon the Rt Rev. Charles Thomas Longley (the diocese of Bradford not being created until 1919). The cost of erecting the church was £800.
The chancel was added in 1895 by the three surviving members of the family, the Misses Crompton-Stansfield, the patronesses of the church. It was erected in memory of their father Major General William Henry Crompton-Stansfield and their mother Frances. The architects were Messrs. T.H. & F. Healey of Bradford, and the faculty records that the estimated cost would be £259.
With effect from 1st June 1983 the parish merged with that of Guiseley to become the Parish of Guiseley with Esholt.
St. Paul’s Church is currently closed due to Health and Safety reasons.
Ladies of our Parish Church of St. Pauls, Esholt.
Brass Cleaning Day
Although closed for Weddings, Funerals and Baptism due to the need for internal repairs, we still maintain the church for visitors and standards need to remain.
Our dedicated Warden and members love their Church and continue to do so despite its faults.
Seen working here are Despina, Linda, Sandy and Liz.
Brasses shown commemorate the Compton Stansfields. William Rookes Compton Stansfield of Esholt Hall, he was the Founder of the Church, also Carrie Bentley who was Headmistress at Hawksworth School ad benefactress to St. Pauls, Esholt.
