A preacher who stamped Haworth’s fame across the north 80 years before the Brontes arrived, is being celebrated in the first published book of his writings.

It has been released to mark the 300th anniversary of the birth of the fiery cleric William Grimshaw, who spent 16 years in the village, from 1742.

His legend is still recalled by some in Haworth, especially his no-nonsense approach to tipplers in the Black Bull, later a favourite haunt of Branwell Bronte. They were said to leap out of the window on his approach.

The Reverend Patrick Bronte, Branwell’s father, did not arrive from Thornton, Bradford, with his brood, including Charlotte, Emily and Anne, until 1820.

Ann Dinsdale, of the Bronte Parsonage museum, said: “Haworth has become very much associated with the Brontes, but the village had already attracted fame a century before because of Grimshaw.

“It’s good to see important new material relating to this largely forgotten figure finally coming to light.’ Preaching up to 30 times a week, Grimshaw kept a ledger with his sins on one side and good deeds on the other, but never had time to publish his work.

But joint author, Faith Cook, unearthed his manuscripts which had been stored among unclassified material at the John Rylands University library in Manchester.

She said: “It was a treasure trove of new information which had hardly been explored apart from by a few academics. It was great – literally an open field for me,”

The result is “William Grimshaw Living the Christian Life” a biography of his life and a collection of his writings.

He was in charge of Haworth church until his death at 54, and he was one of the main figures in the 18th century evangelical revival, his name equal to John Wesley and George Whitfield. It was said his preaching could make a nation tremble.

Starting with a congregation of only 12 when he arrived in the village, the church was later filled with hundreds inside and out.

People would travel miles to hear him preach and at times scaffolding had to be put up in the graveyard to accommodate the thousands..

Mick Lockwood, Minister at Hall Green Baptist Chapel, Haworth, said: “He was mega-famous at the time – hundreds walked miles to hear him preach. What he did was terrific.

“Reading this little book is like taking a short brisk walk on the Haworth moor. It is invigorating and refreshing. A no-nonsense exhortation to Christians, full to the brim of simple wholesome bible food.”

The book costs £7.95 and is on sale at the Hall Green Bookpoint in Haworth or online at evangelical press.org.

e-mail: clive.white @telegraphandargus.co.uk