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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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Todmorden Town Hall: A Symbol of Unity and History

Located in the heart of Todmorden, the magnificent Todmorden Town Hall stands as a testament to the town's rich history and a symbol of its unique identity. This stunning neo-classical Grade I listed building is not just an architectural marvel but a landmark with a fascinating story.

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A Tale of Two Counties

One of the most remarkable things about Todmorden Town Hall is its origin. It was intentionally built across the historic county boundary of Lancashire and Yorkshire, a deliberate choice to help unite the rivalries between the two areas. Although the boundary was later moved in 1888 to place the entire town within Yorkshire, the hall's dual heritage remains a central part of its story.

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A Grand Opening

The hall's construction was a journey in itself. Originally designed by architect James Green, work was halted in the 1860s due to legal and financial challenges. The project was revived when the prominent Fielden family purchased the land and hall in 1866. They appointed John Gibson of Westminster to redesign the building, and it was finally completed and opened to the public on April 3, 1875, at a cost of £54,000.

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A Timeless Landmark

Todmorden Town Hall's striking design, with its grand columns and intricate details, is a sight to behold. It has been a central part of the community for over a century, hosting countless events and serving as a focal point for the town. Whether you're a history buff or an architecture enthusiast, this iconic building is a must-see landmark in West Yorkshire.

The pictures below were taken on the 28th November 2013 with a Samsung Galaxy Tablet, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

This was taken from the grounds of St Mary's Church, the A646 Halifax Road heading off and the A646 Burnley Road going off towards the left of the picture.

The Yorkshire Bank Branch pictured here was closed in 2017, plans to convert the building to a branch of McDonalds were ongoing in 2019 prior to the Covid 19 Pandemic, these seem to have been abandoned and the building remains unused as of September 2023.

The front of the town hall, St Mary's Church is pictured to the left of the hall.

The rear of the building, again St Mary's Church is visible this time to the right of the hall.

The waterway that once separated the counties of Lancashire and Yorkshire ran underneath the hall, people dancing in the halls ballroom could start a dance in one county and finish in the other.

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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Luddenden Village in Art Images

Luddenden's story is inextricably linked to the Luddenden Brook, which flows through its very heart. First referenced in 1274 in connection with a humble corn mill, the village's identity began to shift over the following centuries. The rushing waters of the brook were harnessed to power a growing number of textile mills, transforming Luddenden from an agrarian settlement into a hub of industry. This history is etched into the very stones of the village, a constant reminder of its industrial past.

For centuries, Old Lane was the main artery connecting Luddenden to the wider world, a busy thoroughfare for travellers heading to and from Halifax. However, progress altered the village's trajectory. In the mid-18th century, a new turnpike road was built just half a mile to the south, diverting traffic and commerce. This new route led to the rise of Luddenden Foot, a separate village that grew up around the modern transportation link, leaving Luddenden to settle into a quieter, more residential existence.

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Echoes of the Past, Lingering Stories

Walking through Luddenden is like stepping back in time, with each landmark holding a piece of a larger narrative. The War Memorial stands as a solemn tribute to the combined communities of Luddenden and Midgley, a poignant reminder of their shared sacrifices. The towering presence of St. Mary's Church has watched over the village for generations, a spiritual and architectural centrepiece.

Perhaps one of the most intriguing connections to a bygone era lies within the walls of the Lord Nelson Inn. This historic pub was a regular haunt of Bramwell Brontë, the talented, yet troubled, brother of the famed literary sisters. His time spent working on the nearby railway led him to find solace and company at the inn, a detail that adds a fascinating, human touch to the village's lore.

Tragically, like many small villages, Luddenden has seen changes that have diminished its commercial life. Since the 1980s, the small shops and businesses that once served as the village's communal hubs have closed, leaving behind a collection of houses. While the village remains a beautiful place to live, it is a living example of a community that has evolved from a bustling centre of industry and commerce into a quiet, residential enclave, its history preserved in its stone buildings and timeless landscapes.

The images below were originally photo's that I have added various photoshop filters to create artworks. Clicking anyone of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

The pictures below feature in the video above.

Old Lane was once part of the main packhorse route towards
Halifax, the M62 motorway of it's day until replaced by the turnpike
in the mid 18th century.

St Mary's Church.

The Luddenden Brook, this once helped to power of a dozen mills
for the textiles and corn (Flour) industries.

In the basement of the former St Mary's School, there were 3 holding cells,
although one has long since been removed. The 2 remaining have the townships
of Midgley and Warley inscribed in the lintel. The nearby Luddenden Brook
was the boundary between the 2, the removed cell is said to have had
Luddenden inscribed above it, no evidence remains. The cells were built
along with the school in 1825 and are not thought to have held occupants
since the 19th century.

The steps disused since the late 80's early 90's once provided
access to the offices of a mill that once occupied the site. Much
of the mill was demolished and replaced by housing.

Luddenden Brook and High Street Bridge.

Luddenden & Midgley War Memorial, unviled 1923.

Lord Nelson Inn from the churchyard of St Mary's.

High Street, Luddenden, the building towards the bottom was
the offices for the steps pictured earlier.

Inside St Mary's Church.

Luddenden Brook.

A closed off stone doorway alongside Luddenden Brook.

A memorial wheel to represent the ones that the corn mill that
once occupied the valley would have used.

Former Water Horse Trough at the bottom of Stocks Lane.

This cobbled yard is actually a bridge over Luddenden Brook, providing
access from High Street to High Street Court.

Lord Nelson Inn.

St Mary's Church clock tower.

Luddenden brook flows over the weir viewed from the churchyard
of St Mary's.

Please take a moment to share this post, follow me on social media, and explore my work on Clickasnap and Photo4Me using the links below. Your support means a lot!

All the images remain the copyright of Colin Green.