ITV1
Using a rich combination of archive footage and contemporary interviews The Way We Worshipped looks back at the changing social and cultural face of religious life in the UK. The series tells the stories of religious gatherings, celebrations and ceremonies from a wide range of faiths, through the eyes of people who were part of it all. Using a rich mix of nostalgia and regional pride The Way We Worshipped fondly recalls the communities and customs that once characterised religion in this country.
Each episode of this eight part series explores footage and memories from a different aspect of faith. The journey starts by exploring Sunday Schools – at a time when it was compulsory – and how villagers’ social lives often relied entirely on church and Sunday School events.
The series delves into the pasts of religious buildings and their significance, including a look at York Minster as Bob Littlewood recalls the day that fire nearly destroyed the world-famous Cathedral.
We move on to the importance of faith in times of adversity - talking to people about their memories of how spirituality brought communities together during World War II, and we find out about people whose faith has led them to charity work and religious teaching.
Throughout the series the essence of Christian life in Yorkshire is captured through the eyes and memories of children in a time when shared faith was at the heart of every town and village. A century’s worth of nostalgic footage is brought magically back to life.
Images courtesy of the Yorkshire Film Archive. For more information on Yorkshire Film Archive, and to donate film, please click here.