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Mixman
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 Posted -
15/12/2005
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12:55
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Earby Through 60 Years
Engaging Tour Round and about the Town
Pleasant Walks on Edge of Industrial Area
(by John Hartley) July 1st 1938
Between Booth House and Glen Farm handsome farm there is a very good farm called "Batty House" or "Far Laithe" which has been in the occupation of Mr. Harry Foster for many years.
Nearer to the village there is a fine estate, with commodious residence and handsome farm buildings, erected by the late Mr.Richard Edmondson, and later occupied by his son-in-law, Mr. Charles Watson Bailey, J.P. This estate has recently been acquired by Mr. Jacques, of Thornton Hall.
Another road leading from the top of the moor used to serve a number of small farms. Higher Varges, Lower Varges, Windle Field and Standridge Clough. The road is now neglected and impassable and, with the exception of the first-named farm, the rest, are served by lanes leading from the village.
In this neighbourhood there are several "cloughs" sloping down the hillside— Standridge Clough, Windlefield Clough, Dicky Clough—and a delightful centre where three roads meet, called the "Brigstones." The streams from these ravines all merge in the main stream above the waterfall.
The main road from the Lothersdale side of the moor comes round the hillside at a lower level, and passes a house known as "Whoa could ha' thowt it," and Coolham Farm, which is one of the oldest in the district - about 240 years! old. This farm was for a long time in the occupation of Mr. James, Smith ("Jim o' Jams") and his sons were known as Jim at t' Coolham, 'Boss" at t' Coolham, Joa at t' Coolham and Fred at t' Coolham.
The Earby Urban District Council reservoirs are situated on this farm land, which now belongs to the Council.
A bonny little farm dwellinghouse further down the road is known as “T’ Midge Oil” and is now in the possession of Mr. Heaton Smith.
The farm below is known as "Rake Bank," and was for a long period in the occupation of Mr. Richard Hartley and his two sons, Jack and Heaton. They also acquired the tenancy of Standridge Clough farm. The Stoneybank farm was formerly occupied by Mr. John W. Smith, but it was later acquired by the late Mr. Robert Harrison, of Marton, and is now in the possession of the family.
Tragedy Recalled
From Stoneybank Road a delightful walk along a footpath (really the old road to Colne) brings Moor Hall into view, the farm buildings of which are a landmark for the whole countryside. These were erected by Mr. C.Bracewell, who had possession of the estate for many years. Succeeding occupiers have been Mr. George Aldersley, who came from Lothersdale, and Mr. James Waite; and the farm is now tenanted by Mr. John Guy. It is very extensive, covering about 200 acres and reaching from the main Skipton to Colne highway to the moorland road to Lothersdale. A notable feature of the farm is the "Steep Hill," from which there is a glorious view, and which has been an attractive walk to succeeding generations of Earby people.
Fifty years ago, on a wild Saturday night, a woman engaged in service at Harden Hall met a tragic fate when she was drowned in the manure tank, in a separate building in the Moor Hall Farmyard.
About half a mile further on, nearer Kelbrook, and within the Kelbrook township there is a popular resort known as "Harden Nick," a fine example of an old English copse. At succeeding periods of the year there are seasonal flowers and blossoms, which are an unfailing attraction, and the glen has been the venue for small picnic parties from time immemorial. The Kelbrook Waterworks are in the upper reaches of the valley.
Crossing over to the western side of the Earby valley it is singular how few farms are located there.
White House Farm, with "Springfield" adjoining was formerly owned and occupied by Christopher Barritt, who was a fine type of gentleman farmer. He was a staunch Conservative, and for many years was a church warden at the Parish Church of Thornton in-Craven.
Further down the valley is a farm of considerable extent, called “North Holm,” which reaches half way over the hills to Barnoldswick , over which run the well used paths, which were the customary means of walking communications in former years. The farm with two smaller ones now linked on to it has been within present recollection in the custody of the family of Mr. William Shuttleworth, and is now in the possession of his son, Mr. Emmanuel Shuttleworth.
The Best View
Proceeding northwards upon rising ground, Hill Top Farm comes into view, with the adjoining cottages. The farm is now in the occupation of Mr. Alec Crabtree, and about 40 years ago was tenanted by Mr. F. Maude, now of Bradley. From this elevation the best view of the village is obtainable, especially with the rays of the setting sun resting upon the opposite hillside.
Adjoining Hill Top, a few hundred yards away, is the Little Hill Top farm, also called “The Grange” which was for several years the country residence of Mr. Hutchinson, a Bradford solicitor and Coroner. The farm was tenanted for several years by Mr. Joseph Parker and the present tenant is Mr. Jonathan Barlow.
Along the crest of the hill passing through these two farms, and branching off the Earby to Barnoldswick footpath, is a path proceeding towards Thornton Church, which is very popular with local residents and rambling visitors. As the path ascends the hill with the Church in view, with the age-long trees from village forming a charming avenue, and the rolling country with beautiful knolls in the background, the scene is most glorious to behold.
Down in the valley, on the Thornton side, is the "Punch Bowl" Inn and the adjacent farm, the farm having been for many years m the possession of Mr. W. Waterworth.
The inside ring of farms has seen many changes, many having vanished altogether owing to building operations. These include School Fields Farm, owned by Mr. John Bailey; the Lane Ends Farm, occupied by Mr. George Andrews; the "Top o' Town" farm and the old farmhouse and shop belonging to Glen Farm; the "White Lion" farm, belonging to Mr. Wm. Edmondson; and some have been absorbed in part by other farms.
Those that remain embrace Green End, Farm, which in 1885 was purchased by Mr. John Ryecroft, of Colne, who also became the possessor of Green End House. He was a classical example of the gentleman farmer, and always appeared in public attired in a "top hat" and black morning coat. He was of a retiring disposition, and took no part in public life. His youngest son, Mr. Hartley Ryecroft, has retained the family interest in the estate, and resides at Green End.
A Funeral Hitch
Langroyd Road Farm was carved out of the Moor Hall estate and belonged to Mr. John Sutcliffe, formerly of White Moor. Mr. Sutcliffe who was a widower, and his son John, who was a bachelor, together with a daughter, Margaret, who acted as housekeeper, continued in residence there for many years. About 40 years ago the father and the son died within a day of each other and they were buried on one day, in the same grave at Winewall Inghamite Chapel. The interment ceremony was interrupted by a singular occurrence. The father was stout, and the son was tall, and the grave was too narrow for the father's coffin, and too short for that of the son. The farm has since been occupied by Mr. Jos.Carlisle, Mr. T. Petty and Mr: Whiteoak. A neat little farm near the Railway Crossings on Skipton Road belongs to Mr. Edgar Watson who has won fame as a poultry rearer.
As previously noted, Waddington Fold Farm now belongs to Mr. Jas. S. Proctor,
and the path through the “Bottoms” down to Booth Bridge, which passes through this farm land, was formerly a very attractive walk, along the small river into which all the upper streams emptied their waters.
The Memorial Grounds on the Colne Road, near Sough Bridge between Earby and Kelbrook, constitute one of the most attractive landscape features in the district and, with the gardens, children’s playground and the bowling green, they are a valuable additions to the Public amenities. The widened road from Kelbrook to Earby station, with the trees planted on each side, provides an attractive entrance to the Earby urban area.
Earby may have its defects and limitations, but its beauty spots constrain me to exclaim, “with all thy faults, I love thee still, my country!”
Transcribed for the “Craven Herald and Pioneer” July 1st 1938.
1459
jct. Tuesday, December 13, 2005
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Another
Traycle Mine Overseer
5526 Posts
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Posted - 15/12/2005 : 15:19
John, reading this has brought back some very pleasant memories for me. As a youngster in the early 1960's I worked a bit for Proctors at Waddington Fold and the walk alingside the beck on their land was indeed very attractive - even in the days of early Armoride before they fully expended out towards the Punch Bowl. The beck was full of minnows and careful stalking and "tickling" could produce some really nice wild brownies.
Thanks John. Nolic
" I'm a self made man who worships his creator"   |
Stanley
Local Historian & Old Fart
30830 Posts
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Posted - 15/12/2005 : 16:03
More good material John, thanks.
Stanley Challenger Graham
Barlick View
stanley at barnoldswick.freeserve.co.uk |
Mixman
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Posted - 22/08/2009 : 07:57
Earby thru 60 years article 7 in the John Hartley series.
Another good read.
john
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wendyf
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Posted - 22/08/2009 : 08:41
It is a good read John, packed with information. I wish he had walked a bit further up Harden Clough and talked about the farms up here!
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rosilee
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Posted - 22/08/2009 : 13:12
Thank you John ,I used to sledge on Steep hill when I was a kid.I remember Whitoaks having Langroyd farm ,Alec one of the sons delivered our milk,no bottles then he had a big can and used to measure the milk out ,everyone left jugs out ready for him.Walked up Harden Nick many times with my grandfather Arthur Maw he knew every wild flowers name .Thanks again John
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handlamp
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Posted - 22/08/2009 : 15:59
Hartley Rycroft (or his man Rennie Whiteoak) used to deliver our milk, and many other houses on Green End Avenue, at the back door twice daily. He carried it in a pail and transferred it to a jug left out on the doorsteps by a measured ladle. It was usually inside the house/s within a couple of hours of being milked from the cows. Now you really could call that FRESH MILK. Rosie, I also remember Alec Whiteoak but he seemed to go a bit further afield than Hartley and, if my memory serves me right, he was a bit mechanised.
Edited by - handlamp on 22/08/2009 4:07:01 PM
Ted |
Mixman
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Posted - 23/08/2009 : 07:18
Rosie, the name Aurthur Maw rang a very distant bell in my memory but I can't think why. Did he live around the Cemetery Road area of Earby?
john
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Another
Traycle Mine Overseer
5526 Posts
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Posted - 23/08/2009 : 07:22
John, I knew a Victor Maw who would now be about 65 who lived in that area. Would Arthur be his dad? Family were staunch Labour Party members. Nolic
" I'm a self made man who worships his creator" |
handlamp
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Posted - 23/08/2009 : 11:34
I remember Arthur Maw passing the front of our house on Green End Avenue regularly, subject to what Rosie says, of course, I suspect he lived on the Green End Avenue Stone Row. I reckon that after I left home he served quite a spell as a local councillor.
Ted |
Another
Traycle Mine Overseer
5526 Posts
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Posted - 23/08/2009 : 11:49
Ted same family as I'm thinking about. Nolic
" I'm a self made man who worships his creator" |
rosilee
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Posted - 23/08/2009 : 14:29
My Grandfather was Arthur Maw ,he had a son also called Arthur Maw who was a councillor for a few years at Earby .He is Victor Maws Father and they lived on Dale Street for many years not far from Earby. Cemetery .The Maw family lived on Greenend Ave when the family were young and later moved on to Albert Street(dockyard)after my Grandfather lost his wife she had TB .By then most of the children had married and there was just one girl left at home with Grandad and she never married. I havent seen my cousin Victor Maw for many years,I know he lived up the ranch not sure if he still does Rosie
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Pleasant Walks on Edge of Industrial Area
