Discovering Luddenden: A Timeless Yorkshire Gem

Nestled in the heart of the Calderdale valley, just a stone's throw from Sowerby Bridge, lies the enchanting village of Luddenden. If you're looking for a slice of traditional Yorkshire charm, steeped in history and surrounded by natural beauty, then Luddenden is a destination that truly captivates.

One of the first things that struck me was the serene presence of Luddenden Brook. This lively waterway weaves its way through the village, creating a constant, soothing soundtrack. Whether you're walking along its banks on a cobbled path, admiring the way the water tumbles over a weir near St Mary's Church, or simply enjoying the peaceful flow from a bridge, the brook is truly the lifeblood of Luddenden. It’s easy to imagine generations past relying on its waters for mills and daily life.

Speaking of paths, Luddenden offers some delightful strolls. I particularly enjoyed the journey along the moss-covered stone walls that flank the brook. These ancient walls, verdant with growth, guide you deeper into the village's tranquillity, offering glimpses of hidden corners and inviting you to explore further. There are clearly many paths to follow in and around Luddenden, promising endless opportunities for exploration.

At the heart of Luddenden stands the magnificent St Mary's Church. This grand old building, with its striking architecture and imposing tower, is a true focal point. Whether viewed from a distance, peering through the bare trees of winter or the blossoming colours of spring, or up close within its peaceful churchyard, St Mary's exudes a timeless presence. The churchyard itself, with its ancient gravestones and well-tended paths, offers a quiet space for reflection and a tangible connection to the village's long history.

Beyond the major landmarks, it's the smaller details that add to Luddenden's unique character. Keep an eye out for features like the charming water trough on Stocks Lane, adorned with vibrant flowers – a delightful touch of colour against the weathered stone. And as you wander, you'll undoubtedly appreciate the traditional stone architecture of the houses that line the brook, many with their windows reflecting the changing skies.

Luddenden truly feels like a step back in time, a place where history whispers from every stone and the rhythm of nature sets the pace. It’s a perfect escape for those seeking tranquillity, historical intrigue, and the simple beauty of the English countryside.

The pictures below were taken with a Nikon d3300 on the 2nd April 2017, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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Holmes Park: A Hidden Gem in Luddendenfoot

 Nestled in the picturesque village of Luddendenfoot, Holmes Park is a hidden gem that offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. This charming park, with its lush green spaces, winding pathways, and stunning views of the surrounding countryside, is the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll, a family picnic, or simply a moment of quiet reflection.

What to Expect at Holmes Park:

• Serene Surroundings: Immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature as you wander through the park's well-maintained grounds.
• Scenic Views: Take in breathtaking panoramic views of the Calder Valley, distant Pennine Hills, River Calder and Rochdale Canal.
• Picnic Spots: Find a cosy spot under a shady tree and enjoy a picnic with family and friends.
• Play Areas: Let the kids burn off some energy at the park's play areas, equipped with swings, slides, and climbing frames.
• Walking Trails: Explore the network of walking trails that wind through the park, offering opportunities to spot local wildlife.

Local Tips:

• Best Time to Visit: Spring and summer are ideal for enjoying the park's blooming flowers and warm weather.
• Parking: There is ample free parking available near the park.
• Facilities: The park lacks any facilities, their is a pub nearby to purchase refreshements.

Whether you're a local resident or a visitor to the area, Holmes Park is a must-visit destination. So, pack a picnic, grab your walking boots, and head to this delightful park for a truly unforgettable experience.

The pictures below were taken in November 2013 with a Samsung Galaxy Tablet, I was just starting to take an interest in photography then. They can only be seen below or purchased in 6 x 4 size from Zazzle. Clicking any image should open a link in another window to the Zazzle listing.

The Crossfield Fountain.

Erected in the memory of John William Crossfield a local mill owner.

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Small Steps, Big Views: A Walk Along the Valley and up the Hill.

On a sun-drenched summer day, I embarked on a camera-in-hand adventure along the Rochdale Canal. Starting at Bridge 3 (Rose Grove), I followed the waterway towards Luddendenfoot, capturing the tranquil beauty of the towpath and passing under bridges 4 and 5. After reaching Bridge 6 (Station Road) at Luddendenfoot, I ventured inland, ascending a winding track through lush woodlands and grassy meadows towards the township of Warley. My journey culminated at the hill top overlooking the Luddenden Valley with Oats Royd Mill at Booth an outstanding industrial structure in the distance.

I took the pictures below on the 28th July 2024 with a Nikon d3300, they can also be seen in a higher resolution on Clickasnap by clicking any image.

Rose Grove Bridge, Number 3 over the Rochdale Canal.

The Rochdale Canal, pictured between Bridge 3 (Rose Grove) and Bridge 4 (Longbottom) on a stretch of the canal at Tenterfields between Sowerby Bridge and Luddendenfoot.

Bridge 6 over the Rochdale Canal, Station Road Bridge is just off Burnley Road and used to provide access to Luddendenfoot Railway Station which closed in 1962. The station would probably be a busy little halt now with all the housing developments that have completed in the local area since its closure.

The previous 2 pictures were taken on the walk up from Luddenden to Warley. Although the 2nd picture looks like a dried up river bed I believe it to be a footpath that suffers from drainage problems when the weather is wet, which in Northern England is quite often.

Oats Royd Mill, Booth.

Sometimes called Moggy's Mill, Oats Royd Mill was built in stages between 1842 and 1886. It was a worsted spinning mill until 1984 when it was separated into units occupied by several different industries. Large parts of the buildings were badly damaged by fire in February 1989. Despite local opposition the remaining buildings were converted in to private housing.

The Luddenden Valley pictured from Deep Lane, Warley.

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Lord Nelson Inn, Luddenden (2013)

The Lord Nelson Inn can be found on High Street in the centre of the village of Luddenden, West Yorkshire. It is the only remaining pub in the village centre making it quite popular with the locals and quite well known and regarded further afield.

The building was built has a house in 1634 for Gregory Patchett, a prominent local landowner and was known as Newhouse, it may have also be used as a dairy around this time but by the middle of the following century the building had become a public house known as the White Swan. In 1805 shortly after the Battle of Trafalgar the pub was renamed the Lord Nelson in tribute to the great British Naval Hero and has kept the name since.

The Lord Nelson was home to Luddenden Library from 1776 until the collection was moved to Sowerby Bridge Library in 1917, a prominent member of the library being Branwell Bronte, brother of the famous sisters who when employed at nearby Luddendenfoot Railway Station was often found in the pub. The Inn has also stood in for the nearby St Mary's Church for various functions when it has been unavailable.

The 2 pictures below are all that remains of a set of 6 I took around the pub, they were taken on the 13th October 2013 with a Samsung Galaxy Tablet.

I took this from the garden - seating area at the junction of Old Lane and High Street.

I took this picture from the churchyard of St Mary's, the high building directly behind the Lord Nelson used to be the village school known as St Mary's Old School, it was closed in 1993 and is now a private residence.

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Luddenden Dene Wesleyan Chapel, August 2022

 

Luddenden Dene Wesleyan Chapel opened on Christmas Day 1828 and for a small chapel in a very rural location served the local congregation until November 1978. It had cost £459 17s 7d to build and was popular with the local community. The chapel could hold a congregation of around 200 and often did at Christmas, anniversaries and celebratory times, although normal services around 25 people would attend.

Luddenden Dene Chapel was destroyed by a fire that started in the boiler room in January 1954, after this the congregation met in the Sunday School that they had opened in the 1890's. This continued until 1978 when the congregation had reduced to just 8.

In the cemetery grounds, there are 2 plots that were purchased by Calvert's Mill at nearby Wainstalls for the burial of orphans that dies whilst employed there. Grave 183 which has a headstone and grave 184 which is unmarked. Many of the children were girls from Liverpool and died of disease and malnutrition, some are said to have been buried illegally on the locals moors and to date over 140 have been identified. The picture below shows grave 183.

These pictures were taken on the 16th August 2022 using a Nikon d3300 SLR camera. They can also be seen and purchased full size, resolution and un-watermarked on Clickasnap.

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Stocks Lane Horse Trough October 2013.

 The stone trough at the bottom of Stocks Lane, Luddenden was overgrown and largely forgotten about when I pictured it in October 2013. Trough's were spread around many villages, towns and cities before the coming of the motor vehicle to help water horses, dogs and even in some places cattle. Most have long since been removed or closed off no longer needed, but some can still be seen and a around a dozen still remain the Calderdale district.

The trough at the bottom of Stocks Lane is no longer fed with a large amount of water and most of the trough has been filled in with soil, bushes and plants. At the back is an inscription to William Patchett a local carpenter and undertaker, with the year 1861 and surveyor inscribed too. This was the year Patchett died, i don't know if the inscription is a memorial to him or a thanks to him for providing the trough.

These pictures were taken on the 13th October 2013 using a Samsung Galaxy Tablet. They can be seen below or on Clickasnap full size, resolution and un-watermarked.

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