There’s a unique feeling that comes from stumbling upon a forgotten corner of history, a place where nature has begun to reclaim what was once a bustling part of human life. On May 4, 2022, I had one of those moments while walking through Jumble Hole, a wooded valley that meanders down from Blackshaw Head toward Eastwood, tucked between Hebden Bridge and Todmorden.
The valley is carved by the Jumble Hole Clough, a waterway historically known as Blackshaw Clough. This stream is more than just a scenic feature; it's a boundary steeped in history, traditionally marking the line between the counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire. More importantly, it was the lifeblood of a small, industrious community. Its waters once powered several mills, and scattered dwellings lined its banks, housing the people who worked and lived there. The stream even had a spiritual significance, used for baptisms by the nearby Nazebottom Baptist Church.
As I followed a path alongside the water, I passed over an old stone bridge, its arch gracefully spanning the clough. The sound of the water cascading over the rocks and a small waterfall was a peaceful soundtrack to the green, moss-covered landscape. But my eyes were drawn away from the rushing water and towards the hillside. Tucked into the lush greenery, I saw the stone remains of a building, a silent witness to a time gone by.
I had to investigate. Pushing through the undergrowth, I found myself standing before the ruins of what was once a home. The most striking feature was a stone fireplace, still standing strong despite the roof and walls having long since collapsed. Covered in a thick layer of green moss and surrounded by new growth, it felt like a monument to a lost world. The fireplace, once the warm heart of a home, now stands open to the elements, a somber reminder of a community that faded into history.
Exploring Jumble Hole Clough is like stepping back in time. It’s a place where the past isn't just a story in a book; it’s a tangible presence, waiting to be rediscovered by those who take the time to wander off the beaten path. These forgotten ruins and stone bridges serve as a powerful link between the valley’s industrial past and its wild, beautiful present.
Clicking any of the pictures below should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography on Zazzle.
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| Inside the abandoned dwelling I found. This artwork is based on a photo that can be seen below. |
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| Jumble Hole Clough. |
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| Jumble Hole Clough, the abandoned dwelling is just to the right of the picture. |
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| Another artwork of the inside of the abandoned dwelling. |
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| The abandoned dwelling, it was the top of the fireplace, just visible that made me go and take a look around. |
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| Jumble Hole Clough weir. |
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| The photo of the fireplace my artworks are based on. |
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