Edgworth Village Heritage Trail
Our latest SPAG outing took place last week in the beautiful village of Edgworth. A dozen members met at the Barlow Institute on a fine Summer’s afternoon to begin a walk of discovery in this area steeped in history. We have the Turton Historical Society to thank for their research which contributes so much to the Trail.
Members Richard Monk and Patrick Manning guided us down through Barlow Park past the site of a Victorian boating lake and along Quarlton Brook. This stream feeds a lodge built to provide water for Quarlton Vale printworks which was established as a calico printing works in the early 1800s.
Climbing over the brow of a hill we reached Pelton Fold, one of several 17th century farmhouses still occupied in the locality. We now found ourselves on the line of the Roman road between Manchester and Ribchester. Patrick showed us the Lidar image of the road, courtesy of David Ratledge.
After crossing a (renovated) pack horse bridge we followed a later ancient highway to Bolton Road which was formed during the 1795 enclosure of Edgworth Moor. Arriving at Brandwood Fold we stopped to read the blue plaque commemorating the birthplace of Sir Thomas Barlow, Royal Physician. We then concluded our walk at the Barlow Institute where refreshments were enjoyed.