Wakefield church building dating back to 1860s up for sale

Flanshaw United Reform Church closed down in 2024 due to dwindling congregation numbers.

The property, on Flanshaw Lane, has been put on the market with a guide price of £225,000.

The church was established in 1866 by industrialist William Oakes, who died in 1871, aged 62, and is buried at the front of the graveyard.

William and his two brothers, Henry and Philip, took over the running of Flanshaw Mill in 1841 from their father Benjamin.

Property management firm Walker Singleton described the building as having a “wide ranging potential for alternative use or redevelopment”.

The company’s website says: “The property comprises a traditional style detached church building offering accommodation over two floors – upper ground floor and lower ground floor levels.

“The accommodation briefly comprises an entrance vestibule, hall of worship, with choir balcony, and vestry at upper ground floor, with an entrance vestibule, utilities room, occasional room, toilets, kitchen and meeting room at lower ground floor.

“Externally, there is a small yard/garden area to the front of the property, whilst a driveway to the right-hand side leads down to a good sized private lawned garden to the rear.”

The church’s last service was held in September last after its last elder, Sylvia Gower, announced plans to retire.

Speaking at the time she said: “I made the decision because of my age but unfortunately there is no one else to take my place.

“I am upset but I could not carry on and there is not another elder to take my place.”