One thing that fascinates me about history is that the more we study it, be that by digs, field walks or research, the more it becomes apparent that little is new.

In late Victorian times, the Rev. James Marshall Mather, a Methodist Minister in Rawtenstall wrote two books of Rossendale Rambles. As he walks around the area and with Dickens-like prose, he provides a unique insight into the lives of people living in Rossendale at the end of the 19th century.

He recorded conversations with those he met; commented on working conditions in the mills; described the Valley’s inhabitants, good and bad; whilst hating the despoliation of his beloved cloughs and rivers at the hands of ‘greedy’ men.

In 2019 we undertook a dig at Mitchell Nook Field, which appears to show some interesting anomalies on modern LIDAR images (Catherine’s reports can be seen here). The early signs are that it is a prehistoric site. The steep slope below us leads into Sow Clough so did Mather have anything to say?

‘…Sow Clough. This clough, as its name indicates, was originally a haunt for those wild swine with which our forest was once overrun; and it was also one of the oldest parts of the forest to be cultivated and peopled.’

On the hills between Loveclough and Accrington lies Great Hameldon. Here’s what Mather has to say: ‘…solitary and bold, the hill of Great Hameldon. On its crest, in an early and now long forgotten age, stood one of the pre-historic forts.’

Thanks to Andrew Gill who’s written 3 books following Mather’s rambles, using modern directions combined with Mather’s observations. They make fascinating walks because yet again they direct us to look with fresh eyes at the mundane, oft viewed but rarely understood features we pass by in our hurry to be elsewhere.

Before you go, Mather description of the Irwell is shown on the banner picture.  Things have certainly changed!