How many times I have turned into Free Lane from Holcombe Road in Helmshore, I have no idea but recently, whilst reading Making Tracks, one of the Changing Faces of Rossendale booklets published by Rossendale Groundwork in the 1980s, I came across this drawing.  Now that’s exact!  However, if my memory serves me right there are 8 furlongs to a mile so why not 1 mile 7 furlongs and 35 yards!  OK, I’m just being pedantic!

The booklet also explains that Free Lane was the start of an extension to Haslingden from the Bury, Haslingden, Blackburn and Whalley turnpike road.  The original road was turnpiked in 1810 with the Helmshore to Haslingden extension being completed in 1827.

Is it still there?  I couldn’t resist having a look and….. yes, it is!  Difficult to read but still there.

A fascinating relic from a by gone era.