Two of the grade I listed buildings that are part of the heritage left to the town by the mill-owning Fielden dynasty in the 19th century, Todmorden Town Hall and Todmorden Unitarian Church will both be open to the public for heritage weekend events.

Running over two days, Saturday, September 13, and Sunday, September 14, there will be the chance to step back in time at the Unitarian Church, Honey Hole Road, and have your photpograph taken using technology in use when the Fieldens were in their prime.

John Brewer and Kate Horsley will be taking wet plate portraits at the event which is organised by Michele Selway alongside other events in the church, which will be open from 10am to 4pm on both days.

The organisers say: “The church is a fantastic venue, full of quirky features and secret places, managing to be both grand and imposing, and warm and welcoming at the same time.

“There will be lots of lovely stuff to enjoy at this event, including the local art that decorates the church, home-made cakes, grounds to picnic in and a warm and welcoming atmosphere. So please drop by for tea, cake, art and of course… making metal and glass plates with large format Victorian cameras! Props available, fancy dress optional.”

And on Sunday, September 14, don’t miss the chance to take a look at the splendid interior of Todmorden Town Hall between noon and 3pm. The building is considered one of the finest municipal buildings in the country and was designed, as was the Unitarian Church, by John Gibson of Westminster. The splendid first floor ballroom and imposing north entrance hall with its imperial staircase are considered to be of exceptional significance.

Former Mayor and Mayoress Coun David and Mrs Susan O’Neill will also be on hand to show visitors around the Mayor’s parlour, with a chance to look at regalia and gifts given to the town’s leading citizens over the years.