Norden And Bank House Pulpit

A Memory of Rochdale.

I remember once a year (c1961) a man used to ride on horseback from Rochdale to Norden dressed as John Wesley (or his brother?) and he used to go up to Bank House Farm where there was the original pulpit from when one of the Wesley brothers preached way back when. I am sure the pulpit will still be there and sure the building may be a listed Grade II, but no idea. I will bet though that this custom of the man riding into Norden has gone .
Anybody remember this? Jane Heywood


Added 23 January 2015

#337248

Comments & Feedback

I don't have memories of the horse rider. However, for around ten years until my family came to Australia in 1951 we used to stay just below bank house for family holidays with the Jim & Greta Leach family. (? Spellings). Spent a lot of time at Bankhouse with the farmers who owned it. ' Grandad Marshall 'to me & my sisters. On nights when I stayed over, I would be sent to bed up the steps & through the Altar gates - the space Wesley used as his pulpit. I've looked at the area through Google maps but have not been able to see a picture of the building which was the farmhouse then. I'd love to see one. I notice there are many buildings now on the estate - a couple of them apparently called Bankhouse farm, but definitely not the original. I have a few old photos of us on the farm. Lot's of fond memories for me, and for my mum who is almost 98 & still doing well.
Bill Harrison
Sydney. Australia.

Hi Bill,
I think you have the right farm as there was only a small house there when I lived there in 61. There were trees behind which sort of camouflaged it. I, like you cannot remember any other outbuildings but if you go by Google Earth you can see the road up there behind Keepers Cottage. (Still there). The new buildings have completely obscured the original house and in front is a modern monstrosity!
I am living out of the country also (France) and I have some good memories of those days as my pal lived on the next farm along at Shawfield. We used to ride all round that area. Email me at janefennell@btconnect.com and I can continue the memories if you wish.

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