Welcome to our website, the website of three Catholic communities who gather to worship in three churches situated in the valley of the River Wharfe, an area of outstanding natural beauty just south of the Yorkshire Dales. Within the boundaries of our three parishes, you will find the picturesque ruins of the medieval Augustinian Priory at Bolton Abbey and the wilds of Ilkley Moor (where you may find yourself walking “baht ‘at”). This is also an area where the Catholic faith has been proclaimed and witnessed to over many centuries.

We, in the Catholic parishes of Sacred Heart, Ilkley, St John Fisher & St Thomas More, Burley in Wharfedale, and Our Lady & English Martyrs, Addingham, are communities dedicated to following the Lord Jesus Christ in fidelity and trust. Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest. Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart.” Week by week our parishioners set aside worries and anxieties, rejoicing with others who come together in worship on Sunday, discovering how the life, death and resurrection of Jesus give meaning to our own lives, celebrating his loving presence among us, and going forth to live the message of Christ in our daily life and work.

Whatever your reason for visiting our website, I am sure that a first-time visitor of any faith or none, an enquirer seeking information, someone who has been away from the Church, or a long-time parishioner, you are very welcome. I hope that you will find something on this website to interest you and begin to answer some of your questions.

With my prayers for you and your loved ones,

Fr Tim Swinglehurst, Parish Priest