Whitworth hosts weekend of archaeology expeditions celebrating local folklore

Spodden Valley Explorers at Tonacliffe Primary School

A packed weekend of heritage adventures was recently hosted in Whitworth, exploring the stories embedded in the local landscape, from the Bronze Age settlers of prehistory, through to the ruined villages at Cowm reservoir, finally vacated in 1928.

The programme of activities was all part of the Spodden Valley Revealed project, held between 7-9 June, involving local volunteers, primary schools and visitors from as far afield as Birmingham, all interested in exploring the unique stories and the long history that makes the Whitworth area so special.

The project aims to create a ‘greenway ecomuseum’, a linear heritage destination exploring the long and unique history of human settlement in the area around Whitworth, including stone age hunting sites and the relics left behind, plus individual characters such as James ‘Treacle’ Sanderson running close to the sub 4-minute mile 90 years before Roger Bannister, and the Whitworth Doctors – 18th century ‘bone setters’ attracting patients from all over the UK with curious and strange treatments.

The weekend included three archaeology days, with specialists Dig Ventures and a team of 50 volunteers, who braved the elements to visit and survey the evocative ruined villages at Cowm Reservoir, a medieval farmstead at Brown Wardle and an exciting new find of bronze age rock art on the Mon Stone near Lobden Golf Course.

All will be investigated further as the project, led by Mid Pennine Arts, creates an ‘ecomuseum’, a museum in the landscape, by signposting a dozen sites of historic interest, to be discovered by visitors by signposting on a central cycling and walking route, interpretation, public art pieces and community events.

On the Saturday, Whitworth-based artist David Chatton Barker presented a family show inspired by the folklore of the archaeology site of Brown Wardle. The fantastical Queen of the Well show includes puppets and scenery made from the rubbish found onsite at Brown Wardle and tells the tale of a magical Lancashire legend of the water spirit who lives in the Old Lady Churn Well.

The show included live projections, soundscapes and musicians from the Whitworth and Healey Brass Band. All shows were sold out to an audience of 70 people.

Mid Pennine Arts introduced four mystery ‘Character Bags’ at local primary schools Tonacliffe and St John with St Michael, with items connected to local characters and heritage, such as legendary runner ‘Treacle’ Sanderson.

Over the next few weeks, pupils at both schools will continue to be Spodden Valley Explorers, expanding on the stories of these characters and the many others embedded in the timeless landscapes around Whitworth.

Spodden Valley Revealed is taking shape over the next year and will be completed by summer 2020. It is made possible by National Lottery Heritage Fund, and also supported by other funds, including Newground Together and Lancashire Environmental Fund.