Balladen Clough

Valley in Lancashire Rossendale

England

Balladen Clough

Church of St Mary, St Mary's Way, Rawtenstall Grade II Listed church dated on the tower 1837 and 1881 when the tower was built and the west end refaced. The foundation stone was laid on 7th March 1836 by Mrs. Hoyle. By January 1838 the Church was complete enough to be used for public services and then formally opened 15th March. The Bishop of Chester consecrated it on 20th September 1838. A previous clock was added in 1853 at a cost of £120. The tower, then at the west end, was determined to be taken down in 1880 and re-erected on the south side of the Church allowing the Church to be extended westward. A cut away in the north gallery allowed for installation of a new organ that completed installation in April 1883. The organ was built by Hill and Son and possibly a copy of a Cavaillé-Coll. In 2006 it was described as &#039;deteriorated badly&#039;. The clock tower was completed in September 1888. The first vicar was Rev. William Whitworth 1838-1847. The church has eight bells by Mears &amp; Stainbank, seven 1888 and one 1887. — Church of St Mary, St Mary's Way, Rawtenstall Credit: Jo and Steve Turner

Balladen Clough is a picturesque valley located in the county of Lancashire, England. It is situated in the Rossendale area, near the town of Rawtenstall. The valley is known for its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere, attracting visitors seeking a peaceful escape from urban life.

The Clough is characterized by its lush green surroundings, with dense woodland covering the slopes and a meandering river flowing through the valley floor. The river, named Balladen Brook, adds to the charm of the area, providing a soothing soundtrack as it cascades over rocks and boulders.

The valley is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts, offering a variety of walking trails that showcase the area's diverse flora and fauna. Visitors can explore the woodland paths, taking in the sights and sounds of the vibrant ecosystem that thrives within the valley.

Balladen Clough also holds historical significance, as it was once home to several mills during the Industrial Revolution. These mills utilized the power of the river to drive their machinery, contributing to the region's industrial growth.

Today, the valley serves as a peaceful retreat for locals and tourists alike. Its natural beauty, combined with the soothing sound of flowing water and the opportunity for outdoor activities, make Balladen Clough a hidden gem in Lancashire.

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Balladen Clough Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 53.70701/-2.2697818 or Grid Reference SD8223. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Church of St Mary, St Mary's Way, Rawtenstall

Grade II Listed church dated on the tower 1837 and 1881 when the tower was built and the west end refaced. The foundation stone was laid on 7th March 1836 by Mrs. Hoyle. By January 1838 the Church was complete enough to be used for public services and then formally opened 15th March. The Bishop of Chester consecrated it on 20th September 1838. A previous clock was added in 1853 at a cost of £120. The tower, then at the west end, was determined to be taken down in 1880 and re-erected on the south side of the Church allowing the Church to be extended westward. A cut away in the north gallery allowed for installation of a new organ that completed installation in April 1883. The organ was built by Hill and Son and possibly a copy of a Cavaillé-Coll. In 2006 it was described as 'deteriorated badly'. The clock tower was completed in September 1888. The first vicar was Rev. William Whitworth 1838-1847. The church has eight bells by Mears & Stainbank, seven 1888 and one 1887.

Jo and Steve Turner

Rawtenstall cenotaph, St Mary's Way, Rawtenstall

Grade II* Listed 5.25m tall memorial unveiled on the 29th June 1929 by a Miss Carrie Whitehead to a design by Louis Frederick Roslyn (1878--1934). Vandals removed a plaque in 1982 and it was replaced by a stonemason. In July 2009 the bronze Second World War plaque was stolen, the current replacement being fitted in November of that year.

Jo and Steve Turner

Former Queens Arms, St Mary's Way, Rawtenstall

Grade II Listed 1830 hotel on the corner of two turnpike roads Burnley-Bury and Blackburn-Todmorden. In the early 19th century it served as courthouse and town hall. In 1882 Masonic Lodge No.1948 was consecrated, meeting mainly at the Queens Arms until about 1928. Along with its Qube nightclub the Queens Arms closed in April 2018. In May 2020 it was reported that a local property developer intended to convert it to a ground floor restaurant/café with four apartments on the first and second storeys.

Jo and Steve Turner

Longholme Wesleyan Methodist chapel, Bacup Road, Rawtenstall

Grade II Listed chapel, 1841-2 by James Simpson of Leeds. This third Longholme Chapel was decided upon in 1839 the same year as the first resident Minister, the Reverend James Wilson was appointed. The 1300 seat £7,000 chapel was opened on 18th March 1842. The previous chapel was demolished to make way for a new Sunday School used until 1956. The school was demolished in 1962 and this chapel was then re-constructed inside with the organ and pulpit being removed and the gallery space filled in, allowing the church to be moved onto the upper level and the lower level being turned into a general use area. The chapel re-opened in this form in April 1962. In 2009 the chapel received a £10,000 grant from the National Churches Trust for repair work.

Jo and Steve Turner

The Picture House, Bacup Road, Rawtenstall

The Picture House was opened on 29th December 1920. Taken over by Star Cinemas in December 1960 they closed it in 1975. Soon after it was split into 4 screens by Unit Four Cinemas and renamed accordingly. Unit Four Cinema closed on 10th May 1984. It was reopened by an independent operator, but operating just one 121 seat screen and a snooker club. Two further changes of operator followed and it finally closed in early 1996. It was converted into an indoor market and a snooker club. The OS map currently describes it as 'Heritage Arcade' a description in current use. Plans for a fast food outlet, nightclub or leisure centre in the early 21st century came to nothing and it is currently planned to convert it and adjacent buildings to 42 apartments. Designed by the Baldwin Design Consultancy many of its Art Deco features including the prominent façade would be retained.

Jo and Steve Turner

Kay Street Baptist Church, Kay Street, Rawtenstall

Rev. John Jefferson formed a new church in 1872 and a new building here was in use from December 1876. A building fund for a larger church was started in 1892 but it wasn't until 20th April 1900 the corner stones for the present church were laid by Mrs. Richard Whittaker, Alderman H. W. Trickett Mayor of Rawtenstall, Alderman D. Greenwood of Bacup and Mr R. H. Crabtree of Southport. The church held its first service on the 10th September 1902 having had a build cost of about £4,000.

Jo and Steve Turner

East Lancs Railway Terminus at Rawtenstall

Colin Park

'Leander' at Rawtenstall

Ex LMS 'Jubilee' 4-6-0 No. 5690 'Leander' waiting to depart from Rawtenstall Station on the East Lancs Railway. The 'Jubilee' class were powerful 3 cylinder express locomotives designed by Sir William Stanier for the LMS in the 'thirties.

Bob Walters