Friday evening 10th November was the third of the Winter programme of monthly lectures for 2023-24 and Mr Peter Thornborrow making a return visit to the Society. Peter is very knowledgeable on the history and architecture of old buildings in both West & South Yorkshire given his former positions with both authorities.
The title of his illustrated talk was “ The Dual Economy of Textiles & Agriculture & the Yeoman Clothier in the late 17th century in West Yorkshire “
Peter’s talk was essentially too detailed to summarise every point he made which covered three old clothier buildings but where agriculture played an important role. These were Hartley Royd on the moorland above Shore near Long Causeway overlooking the Cliviger Gorge & Todmorden; Greenwood Lee between Heptonstall & Widdop and Lower Ashes, Cross Stones near Todmorden. However, for much of his talk he focussed on Hartley Royd so I shall restrict this summary to Hartley Royd.
As mentioned Hartley Royd is a moorland Yeoman Clothiers17th century off Long Causeway on the road to Burnley above Shore. The access is via an old drovers road with very old Causey stone sets. From its original appearance it has changed but the alterations have been very sympathetic with its history such as the ridge tiles, coping stones, roof and ceiling trusses, windows, doorways , lintels etc. Peter also illustrated many of these features with reference to the other two houses previously mentioned.
He also discussed how probate & wills provide an insight into life at that time such as the value of hand spinning wheels, looms butter churns, cheese presses etc & how milk houses provide insights. Additionally, wills & probate provide an insight too, into various crops grown & bequests etc such as seed corn or furniture like tables or dressers.
It was quite fascinating to listen to what was revealed in such bequests.
Peter early in his talk spoke about certain features that can still be seen locally such as packhorse bridges , packhorse routes across the moors, horse water troughs, causey stones, moorland stone crosses and Medieval Crosses. He mentioned too, the breed of the packhorses and that the leading horse had bells attached to warn they were coming. His talk was quite detailed.
The Vote of thanks was given by Daphne Cansdale & despite the weather about 40 people attended.
The Society meets every second Friday of the month at St Michael’s Church Hall, Church Street ( adjacent to St Michael’s Church ) off New Road, Mytholmroyd in the Winter months which runs September to April inclusive at 7.30pm. This is supplemented by two Summer evening visits to local places of historic interest. There is at present no annual Summer day excursion although certain members now go on the monthly Heptonstall Village excursion
Cost of annual membership £15.00 and for non members £5.00 per visit
Next meeting is Friday 8th December and will entail a short Annual AGM followed by Christmas festivities & refreshments
Mike Darke Press Officer.
