Mellor, Lancashire

Peel Brow

Peel Brow was laid out in 1789. It links Ramsbottom on the west bank of the River Irwell with the districts of Shuttleworth on the east bank. It joined the Bury-Haslingden turnpike, now the A56. It was built in phases. The OS map for 1890 shows houses at the bottom end but not at the top. Some of the houses nearest... [more]

View towards Holcombe

This is a view from the east side of the valley looking towards Holcombe Hill and the Peel Monument. The tower was erected in memory of Sir Robert Peel who repealed the Corn Laws in about 1846. The hill is a favourite local walk especially on Good Friday. Trains used to run from Manchester as far as Holcombe Brook at the... [more]

River Irwell

This is the weir on the River Irwell where it swings round and is bridged by the road up to Peel Brow. The mills on the right are on Kenyon Street. There were cotton weaving mills, towel mills and soap works. The Church spire is St. Paul's Church. I used to go past here everyday on my way to the railways... [more]

Brookhouse

I used to live at Brookhouse with my parents, great aunt and maternal grand mother. Brookhouse was split into 3 houses at the time (131, 133, 135 Holcolme Road). My grandfather (Thomas Lomax) visited at Christmases and holidays. My parents were Pat (Lomax)and Andrew Martyn-Clark. My aunt who worked at the local Tech (Bury) was Mrs Irene Cosgrove (nee Lomax). My... [more]

Platt Family

My grandfather was born at Horncliffe Lodge, Tottington Higher End on Nov 15 1882. His name was Arthur Owens. His mother was Mary Platt whose family I believe were a  prominent family in the village. His father was Richard Owens.  Arthur, a cabinet maker, left England around 1910 and settled in Australia.

tottington, market street c1955

I remember this view of market street. At this time Tottington was an Urban District with its own council of 14 members. The gates and building on the right of the picture were Tottington Town Hall and council offices.The building also housed the public Library. I was a member of that council in that year. I am now 80 years old... [more]

Born in Westhoughton

I was born in Westhoughton, I lived in 53 Townsfield Road when I was born, then moved to 8 Allenby Grove until I left at the age of 23 and came to Australia. In primary school I went to Sacred Heart School and then in high school I attended the Senior Girls' School on Park Road. I remember at Easter climbing... [more]

Architect

My great-grandfather, David Arthur Hardman, was the architect for the Textile Hall in Bury. His son, my grandfather, William Percy Hardman, was also an architect, who emigrated to Boston, then New York in 1911.