The Grandeur of Todmorden Town Hall's Frontage.

As you approach Todmorden, nestled amidst the Pennine Hills, a majestic sight unfolds: the imposing frontage of the town hall. More than just a grand building, it's a symbol of civic pride, rich history, and a vibrant present.

The frontage, spanning an impressive 53 feet, is a visual delight. Constructed in the Italianate style, it boasts a symmetrical design with towering columns, arched windows, and intricate stonework. The town hall opened on the 3rd April 1875, at a cost of £54,000. The original plans for the hall were conceived a couple of decades earlier, when architect James Green was charged with building a town hall for the town of Todmorden. Legal and financial problems saw this work grind to a halt by the mid-1860s. The Fielden family, a local owner of many of the town's cotton mills, purchased the site and took financial responsibility for completing the hall. 

Look closer at the frontage, and you'll discover the symbolic language whispered in the stone. The pediment features two allegorical figures, representing Lancashire and Yorkshire, united by industry and prosperity. The friezes below depict scenes of cotton spinning and engineering, reflecting the town's heritage. The hall was built atop Walsden Water, the historic boundary of Lancashire and Yorkshire, to unite the town populace. 

The frontage isn't just aesthetically pleasing; it's a window into the town's soul. Imagine grand balls held in the opulent ballroom, the echo of justice served in the former magistrate's court, and the countless community events that have brought laughter and life to these walls. Every scratch, every detail, whispers untold stories of the people who have walked these steps and made Todmorden what it is today.

The pictures were taken on the 6th January 2024 with a Nikon d3300, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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Fielden Square: A Canvas of Todmorden's Past

Todmorden's Fielden Square is a place with a story etched into its very foundations. Today, it serves as a busy car park, but a century ago, it was a space designed for a grander purpose: to honour one of the town's most influential figures, John Fielden.

Fielden was a local businessman, a major benefactor, and a dedicated social reformer. The town chose this square as the perfect spot for his statue, a place where his legacy could be a constant reminder to the people he served. However, in 1939, the statue was moved to Centre Vale Park, leaving the square to evolve with the changing needs of the town.

This photograph, taken on a cold November day in 2013, captures the square's modern-day utility. The sky, which was originally flat and grey, has been replaced with a vibrant, dramatic cloudscape, a testament to the power of digital editing. This change breathes new life into the image, giving it a sense of dynamism that the original lacked.

The picture also features a few other key Todmorden landmarks. To the left, you can see the Golden Lion Pub, which was closed at the time due to severe flooding. Its reopening a year later was a symbol of the town's resilience. Looming over the entire scene is the stunning spire of Todmorden Unitarian Church, a building that the Fielden family themselves helped to construct. This connection reinforces the lasting impact the family had on the town's identity.

Fielden Square may no longer hold a statue of its namesake, but the ghosts of its past are still very much present, in the architecture, the history of its surrounding buildings, and the stories they tell.

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Todmorden Unitarian Church: A Legacy Cast in Stone

Nestled on Honey Hole Road in Todmorden, West Yorkshire, stands a building that is more than just a church; it's a testament to a family's devotion, a community's spirit, and a remarkable piece of architectural history. We're talking about Todmorden Unitarian Church, a stunning structure with a story as rich and enduring as its stone walls.

A Monument to a Visionary

The church was not merely built; it was conceived as a lasting memorial to John Fielden, a prominent local figure who left an indelible mark on Todmorden. Fielden was not only a successful mill owner but also a passionate social reformer and a Member of Parliament for Oldham from 1832 to 1847. A staunch advocate for the working classes, he was also a leading light in the local Unitarian movement.

His three sons, Joshua, John, and Samuel, took on the monumental task of funding the church's construction, which began in 1865. They spared no expense, donating the land and committing an unlimited budget to the project. The final cost, a staggering £35,000, translates to over £3.5 million in 2020 rates – a clear indication of their dedication and the ambition behind the design.

From Grand Opening to Quiet Closure

Completed in 1869, the church flung open its doors in April with a memorable sermon delivered by William Gaskell to a congregation of over 800 people. For many years, the church thrived, a vibrant hub for the community.

However, like many religious institutions across the UK, the early 20th century saw a gradual decline in congregations. The upkeep of such a grand building became increasingly challenging, and by 1987, a difficult decision was made to close the main church and relocate services to the nearby lodge at the entrance of the grounds. These smaller services continued for a few more years, but by 1992, the church and its grounds were completely closed.

A Phoenix from the Ashes: Revival and Restoration

After its closure, the once magnificent church sadly fell into disrepair, becoming a target for vandalism. But its story wasn't over. In 1994, the Historic Chapels Trust stepped in, recognizing the immense historical and architectural significance of the building. Over the next few years, they poured over £1 million into crucial repairs, breathing new life into the decaying structure.

Today, Todmorden Unitarian Church is more than just a preserved relic. It is licensed for weddings, offering a unique and historic backdrop for special occasions, and continues to serve the local community as a versatile meeting place.

A Legacy of Listed Status

The architectural significance of Todmorden Unitarian Church is formally recognized. It was granted Grade I listed status on November 22nd, 1966, a testament to its exceptional architectural and historical importance. The charming lodge at the entrance also holds Grade II listed status, awarded on February 22nd, 1984.

A Glimpse Through the Lens

The accompanying pictures, captured on April 22nd, 2017, with a Nikon d3300 SLR camera, offer a visual journey through this remarkable piece of Todmorden's heritage. They invite you to appreciate the intricate details, the grand scale, and the enduring beauty of Todmorden Unitarian Church – a true landmark with a captivating past and a promising future.

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Where Lancashire Met Yorkshire: The Majestic Todmorden Town Hall

Nestled in the heart of the Calder Valley, Todmorden boasts a jewel of architectural grandeur: its Town Hall. This neo-classical masterpiece, a Grade I listed building, stands as a testament to ambition, rivalry, and the enduring legacy of the Fielden family.

The story of Todmorden Town Hall is as fascinating as the building itself. Construction began in 1860, with architect James Green at the helm. However, the project was soon plagued by legal and financial woes, grinding to a halt. The unfinished structure stood as a silent testament to these early struggles.

Enter the Fielden family, local industrialists with a vision. In January 1866, they purchased the land and the incomplete hall at auction, breathing new life into the project. They appointed John Gibson of Westminster to redesign the building, and under his guidance, the hall was transformed into the architectural marvel we see today.

On April 3rd, 1875, the grand Todmorden Town Hall was officially opened, a culmination of years of effort and a staggering £54,000 investment. Its imposing facade and intricate detailing spoke of the town's prosperity and the Fieldens' commitment to their community.

But the hall's significance extends beyond its architectural beauty. It was deliberately built across the historic Lancashire-Yorkshire county boundary, a symbolic gesture intended to bridge the rivalries between the two counties. This unique positioning reflected the town's desire for unity and harmony. However, in a twist of fate, the boundary was later adjusted on January 1st, 1888, bringing the entire town, including the hall, firmly within Yorkshire.

A Visual Journey:

I had the privilege of capturing the hall's grandeur on April 22nd, 2017, using my Nikon D3300 SLR camera. The images I took serve as a visual record of its timeless beauty, showcasing the intricate details of its facade, the imposing columns, and the overall sense of historical significance.

Why Todmorden Town Hall Matters:

• Architectural Significance: The neo-classical design, with its grand columns and symmetrical facade, is a prime example of Victorian architecture.
• Historical Significance: The hall's construction story, marked by challenges and eventual triumph, reflects the town's resilience and the Fielden family's legacy.
• Symbolic Significance: The initial placement across the county boundary highlights the town's desire for unity and its unique position in British history.
• Community Hub: Even today, the town hall serves as a vital community space, hosting events and gatherings.

Todmorden Town Hall is more than just a building; it's a living piece of history, a symbol of ambition, and a testament to the enduring spirit of the town. Whether you're an architecture enthusiast, a history buff, or simply someone who appreciates beautiful buildings, a visit to Todmorden Town Hall is a must.

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The town hall roof pictured from the railway station. Stoodley pike Monument can be seen in the distance.

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