A Journey to Lumbutts: History and Solitude on the Hilltop

Perched on a quiet hillside near Todmorden, West Yorkshire, Lumbutts Methodist Church is a place that feels deeply connected to its past. This charming stone building, with its gothic details and solemn air, stands as a testament to the community it once served and the history it continues to hold. The story of the church begins with a schism in the local Methodist society. In the 1830s, a serious disagreement, sparked by the controversial installation of an organ in a chapel in Leeds, caused a split. The dissenters, who were opposed to the use of organs in worship, withdrew from the nearby Methodist Society at Mankinholes. They decided to build their own place of worship, a new chapel at Lumbutts, which officially opened on July 9, 1837.

However, the current building is not the original. As the congregation prospered, the first chapel was demolished in 1877 and replaced with the larger, present-day structure, which included a school on the ground floor. This new building, designed by J. Horsfall of Todmorden, was constructed in the Gothic style with a hammer-dressed stone and ashlar dressings, giving it a distinctive and enduring look.

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The Old Lady of Lumbutts

Perhaps one of the most interesting pieces of the church's history is its organ, affectionately known as "The Old Lady of Lumbutts." This huge, century-old organ became a focal point for the community. In 1989, villagers rallied together, raising £11,500 to fund its renovation, ensuring that its powerful sound would continue to fill the chapel.

Despite these efforts, the church eventually fell victim to changing times and a dwindling congregation. It was closed in the late 2010s, and its future remains uncertain. However, there has been a recent proposal by the local Scout group, who have been using the grounds for activities, to take over the building. Their plan is to refurbish the Grade II listed building and bring it back to life as a community resource.

Walking through the churchyard, with its well-maintained burial plots, one can't help but feel a sense of peace. The gate to the church, with its intricate ironwork, opens to a space that feels both historic and hopeful. Lumbutts Methodist Church stands as a beautiful reminder of the powerful communities that built these chapels and the potential they still hold for the future.

I took these pictures with a Nikon d3300 on New Years Eve 2016. Clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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A Winter Ascent to Stoodley Pike

Towering over the Calder Valley, Stoodley Pike is more than just a hill overlooking the town of Todmorden, West Yorkshire. It's a monument, a beacon, a challenge, and a gateway to breathtaking panoramas. I recently embarked on my own Stoodley Pike adventure, and let me tell you, it was an experience of stunning vistas.

There are several routes to the summit, each offering its own unique charm. I opted for the Shaw Wood Road trail, starting from the A646 Burnley Road. The trail leaves Burnley Road almost immediately, crossing over the Rochdale Canal alongside Lock No. 15 Shawplains. The road winds through woodlands before reaching a housing estate at Lee Bottom Road, which runs eastward, offering glimpses of the imposing Pike as you ascend. The road steadily gains elevation, so be prepared for a good workout.

After conquering the final incline, the reward arrives. The 39-step spiral staircase beckons, leading you up another 40 feet to the balcony of the monument. A torch is highly recommended, as the narrow passage is often plunged in darkness, despite a grill that is meant to offer a light source.

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Views for Days

The views from the top are nothing short of magnificent. The hill, at a height of 1,300 feet, shows rolling fields in every direction, dotted with villages, reservoirs, and the distant Pennine peaks. On a clear day, you can even see Manchester and the Irish Sea! Take a deep breath, soak it all in, and let the sense of accomplishment wash over you.

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A Monument to History

Stoodley Pike is steeped in history, dating back to the Iron Age. Explore the monument's intriguing inscriptions and weathered stones, which whisper tales of the past. The original monument was built to commemorate the Napoleonic Wars and then rebuilt to remember the Crimean War.

Above the north-facing door, a faded inscription tells the story of the monument's creation and dramatic rebuilding:

STOODLEY PIKE A BEACON MONUMENT ERECTED BY PUBLIC SUBSCRIPTION COMMENCED IN 1814 TO COMMEMORATE THE SURRENDER OF PARIS TO THE ALLIES AND FINISHED AFTER THE BATTLE OF WATERLOO WHEN PEACE WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1815. BY A STRANGE COINCIDENCE THE PIKE FELL ON THE DAY THE RUSSIAN AMBASSADOR LEFT LONDON BEFORE THE DECLARATION OF WAR WITH RUSSIA IN 1854. WAS REBUILT WHEN PEACE WAS RESTORED IN 1856. RESTORED AND LIGHTNING CONDUCTOR FIXED IN 1889.

This adventure to Stoodley Pike was a chilly one, but the light dusting of snow made the landscape even more beautiful. These pictures were taken on November 19, 2016, and really capture the unique atmosphere of the hike. It's a journey I won't soon forget.

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The path up to Stoodley Pike, the monument visible at the summit.

I think the snow clinging to the side of the structure gives the monument a completely different feel to its usual look.

The Calder Valley and beyond towards Lancashire, taken from the base of the monument.

Looking west away from the monument, I have always liked this picture as it's gives the impression the clouds will shortly fall over the edge of the hill.

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A Tower of Passion: The Story Behind the Lumbutts Mill Water Tower Artwork

 Every piece of art tells a story, and this one is no different. My artwork of the Lumbutts Mill Water Tower is not just a depiction of a building; it's a conversation with history, a tribute to the passionate struggles that once defined this landscape.

The vibrant sunset colour scheme wasn't chosen at random. It's a deliberate artistic choice, a nod to the area's powerful and often turbulent past. The bold oranges and fiery reds are a direct reference to the 1838 Mankinholes Riots. The passion and fury of those events—fuelled by social and economic hardship—are symbolized in the intense, glowing light that seems to emanate from the tower itself. It's meant to evoke a feeling of simmering unrest and raw emotion.

The piece is a bridge between then and now. The Lumbutts Mill Water Tower, a sturdy structure that has witnessed decades of change, now stands as a quiet monument. By bathing it in the colours of a tumultuous sunset, the artwork gives the impression of a passion that still lingers in the air, a reminder that the history of this place is carved not just in stone, but in the spirit of the people who lived and fought here.

This isn't just a picture of a tower; it’s a representation of a moment in time, a feeling, and a history that deserves to be remembered. It’s a visual reminder that even the most stoic structures can hold within them the echo of human passion.

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Echoes of Industry and Rebellion: A Walk Through Lumbutts

 Nestled in the rolling hills southeast of Todmorden, West Yorkshire, lies the small community of Lumbutts. On a crisp December day in 2016, captured through the lens of a Nikon D3300, I explored this fascinating area, where the tranquillity of nature intertwines with a rich and sometimes tumultuous industrial past.

Lumbutts might seem unassuming at first glance, but it holds a significant place in the history of cotton spinning and even social unrest. The heart of this community once revolved around a bustling mill, initially a corn mill, that was transformed in the early 19th century by brothers Samuel and Robert Shaw, alongside their partners Abraham Crossley and Thomas Hughes, into a cotton spinning powerhouse.

The most striking remnant of this industrial era is the magnificent Lumbutts Mill Water Tower, a Grade II listed structure that proudly stands against the sky, still bearing the marks of its operational days with its weathered stone and moss-kissed walls. This tower was a marvel of its time, designed to harness the power of water to drive the mill's machinery. It originally housed two waterwheels, with a third eventually added, creating an impressive 50 horsepower from a remarkable 90-foot fall of water.

The lifeblood of this power came from four crucial dams: Mill Dam, Lee Dam, Heeley Dam, and the highest of them all, Gaddings Dam, perched 365 meters above sea level on the moor above Lumbutts. As I wandered, I came across the tranquil waters of Lee Dam and Heeley Dam, their surfaces reflecting the bare winter trees, offering a glimpse into the vital role they played in the mill's operation. The landscape around Lee Dam, with Jeremy Hill rising in the background, paints a picture of the natural beauty that coexisted with the industrial might.

But Lumbutts is not just a tale of industry; it also carries the scars of social rebellion. In 1838, this seemingly peaceful community became the stage for the Mankinholes riots. The catalyst was the implementation of the Poor Law Amendment Act of 1834, which led to a local board of guardians demanding £50 from the townsfolk – a demand that was met with steadfast refusal. On November 14th, 16th, and 21st of that year, riots erupted, culminating in the deployment of Dragoon Soldiers from Manchester on November 24th to arrest the men from Lumbutts Mill who had participated. It's a sobering reminder of the struggles faced by ordinary people in times of great social change.

The mill continued to be a source of employment for the community until 1926, when its final 62 employees were either transferred or retired, and Lumbutts Mill ceased operations. The mill itself was subsequently demolished, leaving only the stoic water tower as a sentinel of its past. Today, the site where the mill once stood is an activity centre, a testament to the area's ongoing evolution.

Walking through the wooded pathways at Lumbutts, the air was crisp, and the silence was only broken by the rustle of leaves underfoot. Even a slightly rickety bridge crossing a small stream added to the sense of discovery, leading one deeper into the quietude of the landscape. And from Mill Dam, the iconic Stoodley Pike stood proudly on the distant hilltop, a landmark visible for miles around, overseeing the valleys and communities below.

My visit to Lumbutts was a journey through time, revealing layers of history etched into the landscape. From the innovative spirit of early industrialization to the resilience of a community facing hardship, Lumbutts offers a captivating glimpse into the rich tapestry of West Yorkshire's heritage. It's a place where you can almost hear the echoes of the past, whispering tales of industry, rebellion, and the enduring beauty of the Pennine landscape.

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Heeley Dam

Lee Dam

The Grade II Listed water tower built to house the waterwheels that
powered the mill. The chimney features a spiral staircase inside. Listed status
was granted on the 22 February 1984.

This bridge crossed one of the water inlets in to the dams,
I can't remember which dame it was .

Mill Dam and in the distance Stoodley Pike and Monument, The 
monument was built in 1856 to commemorate the end
of the Crimean War.

Jeremy Hill and Lee Dam.

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 All the pictures are the copyright of Colin Green.