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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Todmorden Unitarian Church July 2020

Todmorden Unitarian Church is located at Honey Hole Road, Todmorden, West Yorkshire. The church was built in the memory of John Fielden, a local mill owner, social reformer, and member of parliament for Oldham between 1832 and 1847. Fielden was also a prominent member of the local unitarian movement. Building work began in 1865, paid for by his three sons, Joshua, John, and Samuel, on land the Fielden family donated; the budget was not limited by them, with the final bill over £35,000 (over £3.5 million at 2020 rates). The work was completed in 1869, with the church opening in April with a sermon preached by William Gaskell to a congregation of over 800 people.

The church continued to grow until the early part of the 20th century, when, like most other religions in the UK, congregations started to decline. As numbers decreased, it became increasingly difficult to fund the upkeep of the building, and by 1987, the decision was taken to close the main church building and move services to the nearby lodge at the entrance to the church grounds. These services continued until 1992, when the church and grounds were closed completely.

After the complete closure, the church decayed and was subject to large amounts of vandalism. In 1994, the Historic Chapels Trust took over the church, and over the next few years, they spent over £1 million on repairs.

The church was granted Grade I listed status on the 22nd November 1966, with the lodge at the entrance gaining Grade II listed status on the 22nd February 1984.

The pictures were taken with a Nikon d3300 on the 11th July 2020. They can be seen below or on Clickasnap un-watermarked and higher resolution.

This picture taken from the Rochdale Canal, looking across the Golden Lion Pub, shows the Churches Spire. Notice the guitarist sat on the bench. Copies of this image can be purchased from Photo4Me.

The Lodge, stands at the entrance to the church grounds. This was used for services after the main building closed. I believe it is now a private residence. A copy of this image can be purchased from Photo4Me.

This lamp post can be found on the main driveway, the path to the right leads through the woodland circling the eastern side of the church.

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The Grandeur of Todmorden Town Hall's Frontage. January 2024

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 below were taken on the 6th January 2024 with a Nikon d3300, they can also be seen on Clickasnap by clicking any of them(opens in another window).

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Stoodley Pike November 2016

Towering over the Calder Valley, Stoodley Pike is more than just a hill overlooking the town of Todmorden, West Yorkshire; it's a monument; it's a beacon, a challenge, and a gateway to breathtaking panoramas. I embarked on my own Stoodley Pike adventure, and let me tell you, it was an experience in 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. Be prepared for a good workout, as the trail steadily gains elevation.

Finally, 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. Remember, a torch is recommended, as the narrow passage plunges into darkness, despite a grill that is meant to offer a light source.

The views from the top are nothing short of magnificent. The hill, at a height of 1300 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 feel the sense of accomplishment wash over you.

But Stoodley Pike is more than just a scenic overlook. It's steeped in history, dating back to the Iron Age. Explore the monument's intriguing inscriptions and weathered stones, whispering tales of the past. A monument was originally built to commemorate the Napoleonic Wars and then rebuilt to remember the Crimean War.

The monument features the following faded inscription above the north facing door:

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.

 

The pictures below were taken on the 19th November 2016 with a Nikon D3300; they can be seen un-watermarked on my Clickasnap portfolio. Click any image to view it there.

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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Water Street and The Golden Lion, Todmorden

These 2 pictures were a couple of random ones I took on Saturday 6th January 2024, I'd caught the train to Todmorden with a view to walking the Rochdale Canal to Sowerby Bridge and captured these 2 images shortly after reaching Todmorden.

The Picture shows Water Street a thoroughfare thats runs away from the Town Hall Building. The street is lined by shops on one side and a tributary of the River Calder on the opposite. Past names of the road have included Pall Mall and Old Shop Lane.

The Golden Lion pictured from the Rochdale Canal. The pub is amongst the oldest buildings in the town centre, it's original construction being in 1770 as a coaching inn as a new turnpike connecting Manchester with Halifax had recently opened. The Golden Lion has been the scene of many prominent town meetings included the ones that saw the decisions to build the Town Hall and the monument at Stoodley Pike. It has also be used for town inquests and was the post office for a time.

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Todmorden Town Hall (2013)

Todmorden Town Hall is a neo-classical Grade I listed building. Building work commenced in 1860 and the hall went through many changes with architect James Green being the original designer, work stopped in the 1860's due to legal and financial problems, before the Fielden family purchased the land and hall in January 1866 at auction. John Gibson of Westminster was then appointed to redesign the building which was completed and opened on 3rd April 1875 at a cost of £54,000.

The building was built across the Lancashire - Yorkshire county boundary to help unite the rivalries, although this boundary was moved on the 1st January 1888, bringing the hall and the town of Todmorden within the Yorkshire county fully.

The pictures below were taken on the 28th November 2013 with a Samsung Galaxy Tablet.

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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Fielden Square, Todmorden

Fielden Square is an area of Todmorden outside the Golden Lion Pub. Cleared to house a statue of John Fielden a local businessman, benefactor and social reformer, the area is now mainly used as a car park near the town centre. The statue was moved in 1939 to Centre Vale Park.

I took this picture on the 9th November 2013 with a Samsung Galaxy Tablet. The original image had a totally flat, lifeless overcast sky so this was my first attempt at replacing a sky within an image.

Also seen in the picture, to the left the Golden Lion, the pub was closed when I took this having been badly flooded, I believe it reopened the following year. The spire that overlooks the town is that of Todmorden Unitarian Church. The Fielden family contributed to it's construction.

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Lumbuts Mill Artwork

 

Lumbutts Mill Water Tower. This Artwork created by is based on a picture I took. I gave the picture a sunset colour scheme as a nod to the areas links with the 1838 Mankinholes Riots to give the impression of a passion.

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Jumble Hole, Between Todmorden and Hebden Bridge

 Jumble Hole is a wooded Valley that runs down from Blackshaw Head towards Eastwood between Hebden Bridge and Todmorden. Jumble Hole Clough is the water that runs down it flowing towards the River Calder, although historically this was known as Blackshaw Clough.

The water was used to power a number of mills along its path and a few dwellings were also scattered alongside the stream. Water from Jumble Hole was also used in baptisms by the nearby Nazebottom Baptist Church. This waterway is the traditional boundary between Yorkshire and Lancashire.

I was walking along this stretch of Woodland on the 4th May 2022 and whilst passing a bridge over the clough I discovered and abandoned dwelling that I had to picture. I also did a couple of artworks based around the fireplace that still remains. They can be seen below or on my Clickasnap profile where they are full size, resolution and un-watermarked. They were taken using a Nikon d3300SLR camera.

Inside the abandoned dwelling I found. This artwork is based on
a photo that can be seen below.

Jumble Hole Clough.

Jumble Hole Clough, the abandoned dwelling is just to the right
of the picture.

Another artwork of the inside of the abandoned dwelling.

The abandoned dwelling, it was the top of the fireplace, just visible
that made me go and take a look around.

Jumble Hole Clough weir.

The photo of the fireplace my artworks are based on.

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Walking the Rochdale Canal from Walsden to Todmorden

In the heart of Northern England, winding through valleys and past old mill towns, lies the Rochdale Canal. More than just a waterway, it's a testament to the region's industrial heritage, a ribbon of water that once powered the economy and has since been reborn as a haven for walkers and nature lovers. Completed in 1804, this historic canal once served as a vital trade route, connecting the bustling hubs of Sowerby Bridge and Manchester.

For a time, the canal fell into disuse and disrepair, officially closing in 1952. Sections became overgrown, and some were even filled in, a quiet echo of the end of an era. But thanks to a dedicated restoration effort, the canal was fully reopened in 2002, giving new life to this historic corridor.

Inspired by this story of rebirth, I took a walk along a particularly scenic stretch of the canal in November 2013, trekking approximately 1.5 miles from Walsden to Todmorden. The photos, taken on a Samsung Galaxy Tablet, capture the essence of a tranquil autumn day on the towpath.

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A Walk Through Autumn

The journey revealed a landscape painted in the golden hues of autumn. The canal waters, a deep, reflective blue, mirrored the clear sky and the scattered clouds. Along the banks, fallen leaves created a vibrant carpet of gold and red, rustling underfoot.

The walk passes a number of fascinating landmarks. Pinnel Lock 26 and Smithyholm Lock 25 are working relics of the canal's past, their weathered stone and wooden gates standing strong against the flow of time. Further along, the towering Gauholme Railway Viaduct looms over the canal, a striking black-and-white image that shows the intersection of two different transport histories.

The path also winds through the charming village of Walsden, where the spire of St. Peter's Church rises elegantly above the trees and rooftops, a quiet sentinel watching over the canal. The walk ends as you approach Todmorden, with the canal curving past old mill buildings, their red brick and stone a warm contrast to the green and gold of the surrounding hills.

Along the way, I stumbled upon a curious, carved stone chair, a unique piece of art that invites walkers to pause and reflect on the journey. This simple seat embodies the spirit of the canal today: a place of peace, reflection, and quiet beauty.

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Gauxholme Viaduct

Pinnel Lock

Smithyholm Lock

Walsden from the canal, St Peter's Church seen in the distance.

This stone chair was near Gauxholme Locks, no idea if it is still there.

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