The village lies embedded in the moors, between the two counties, on the old road between Keighley and Colne.

About the middle of the last century, it became famous in the religious world as the scene of the ministrations of the Rev.William Grimshaw, curate of Haworth for twenty years.

Before this time, it is probable that the curates were of the same order as one Mr.Nicholls, a Yorkshire clergyman, in the days immediately succeeding the Reformation, who was "much addicted to drinking and company-keeping," and used to say to his companions, "You must not heed me but when I am got three feet above the earth," that was, into the pulpit.
Mr.Grimshaw's life was written by Newton, Cowper's friend; and from it may be gathered some curious particulars of the manner in which a rough population were swayed and governed by a man of deep convictions, and strong earnestness of purpose.

It seems that he had not been in any way remarkable for religious zeal, though he had led a moral life, and been conscientious in fulfilling his parochial duties, until a certain Sunday in September, 1744, when the servant, rising at five, found her master already engaged in prayer; she stated that, after remaining in his chamber for some time, he went to engage in religious exercises in the house of a parishioner, then home again to pray; thence, still fasting, to the church, where, as he was reading the second lesson, he fell down, and, on his partial recovery, had to be led from the church.

As he went out, he spoke to the congregation, and told them not to disperse, as he had something to say to them, and would return presently.