The A-Z of Todmorden

Todmorden is a small town with a big heart. Full of friendly, welcoming people, its mix of industrial heritage and forward-thinking environmental policies make Todmorden the up-and-coming place to be. Tucked away in the valley between Lancashire and Yorkshire, the market town’s strong sense of community is infectious. Explore everything that Todmorden has to give in this comprehensive rundown.

A – Architecture

Visitors to Todmorden who don’t look up will miss a treat. With construction starting in 1866, the Town Hall took nine years to complete, finally opening in 1875. Twenty metres above street level, the Grade I listed building features four columns supporting a sculpture, which is divided into two distinct halves. On the left, it features cotton spinning and weaving industries to represent Lancashire. On the right, wool manufacturing, engineering and agriculture are highlighted, representing the county of Yorkshire.

B – Border

Speaking of the Town Hall, which was built right on the border between Lancashire and Yorkshire, Todmorden sports its dual identity with pride. The famous red and white roses can be spotted all over the town, a reminder of its long history. Although strictly Yorkshire since 1888, the debate has raged on for centuries, with many Todmordians sticking with the town’s Lancastrian roots.

C – Cheese

Todmorden is the place to visit if you fancy a nibble, boasting two dedicated retail outlets and an award-winning cheesemaker with its dairy herd in the valley. The Calder Cheese House on Patmos specialises in raw milk farmhouse cheese. Meanwhile, The Crumbly Cheese has been on the Todmorden market for over 30 years, with over 120 cheeses regularly in stock, including local fan favourite Pextenement cheese.

D – Dobroyd Castle

You may miss it if you are driving through the town centre, but Todmorden has its castle sitting comfortably on the moors overlooking the town. Built-in 1869, the castle is not only a proud display of the town’s beautiful architecture but also accompanies the widely loved Robinwood activity centre. The building began as the home of local mill owner John Fielden before being re-purposed as a privately run school for boys in 1979. Years later, the castle became home to Buddhists of the New Kadampa Tradition until Robinwood took ownership in 2008.

E – Eagles Crag Brewery

Beer lovers should hop to Eagles Crag Brewery on Burnley Road to sample one of their 11-cask beers. The independent brewery was established in 2016 and is named after Eagles Crag, a local landmark popular with walkers offering stunning views down the valley. Its award-winning ales and friendly atmosphere make it a popular drinking destination. But pick your days, as it only opens its doors to the public twice a month.

F – Films and TV

A popular location for budding filmmakers and creatives, the streets of Todmorden have played host to a variety of films and TV shows over the years, including ‘Happy Valley’, ‘Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit’, and ‘The League of Gentlemen’. Cinema-goers will also have seen Todmorden in the 2004 film ‘My Summer of Love’, which starred Emily Blunt and Paddy Considine. It is still a magnet for film crews; Jenna Coleman’s vehicle, ‘The Jetty,’ was filmed earlier this year.

G – Gaddings

If the bustling spirit of the town centre isn’t quite your vibe, a short hike up to Gaddings Dam may be the perfect alternative. Famously known as the highest beach in the country, Gaddings sits at a whopping 300 metres above sea level, ensuring that the well-earned view from the summit is nothing short of breathtaking. Regular visitors describe the dam as a ‘wild swimmer’s paradise’, and if you time your journey just right, you may be lucky enough to catch the sunset as it descends below the hilltops.

H – Hippodrome

Theatre fans, don’t panic! If you’re on the lookout for a good show, the Hippodrome Theatre can offer you everything from top-notch renditions of your favourite plays to high-end performances of dance, music, and a range of other live events. Originally built in 1908 as a traditional Edwardian theatre, the Hippodrome has slowly evolved into an intrinsic part of the community. Its cheery and intimate atmosphere places the theatre at the heart of the town, and it remains loved by performers and attendees alike as a display of pure fun and entertainment.

I – Incredible Edible

In 2008, Todmorden residents Pam Warhurst and Mary Clear planted the seeds of a global food movement that has expanded to over 700 Incredible Edible organisations all over the world. Four years later, Pam’s TED Talk spread its aim of bringing communities together through the growing and sharing of local food through in-community allotments. Its message of self-sufficiency, with all food being grown locally and shared with the community, has attracted thousands of people to the town, including King Charles II and renowned chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.

J – John Fielden

For nearly a century, the statue of John Fielden has stood proudly in Centre Vale Park, another great example of Todmorden’s rich and extensive history. Celebrated for his efforts in improving national public education and reducing work hours for factory children, John is viewed by all as a key symbol of the town’s constant endeavours to maintain equality and fairness. If you’re a certified history buff, popping down to get a look for yourself is a must.

K – Kindness

To the people of Todmorden, kindness tends to come naturally. But just in case you forget, the large Hollywood-esque signs that overlook the town will spell it out for you. When the signs were first displayed in 2016, town planners invited all to commemorate the moment by joining hands around the town hall in a show of solidarity.

L – Lucky Dog

Located in Centre Vale Park, the Lucky Dog has developed an unusual reputation over the years. As the name suggests, the steel dog is said to bring luck to anyone who greets him with a friendly pat. Sat snugly beside the remains of the former home of John Fielden, Lucky brought visitors swarming when he was featured on Derren Brown’s Channel 4 series ‘The Experiments’. If you happen to be taking a stroll through the park, make sure you seize the opportunity to test your luck.

M – Market

Having existed for over 200 years, the market is a quintessential part of the Todmorden experience. It can be found between the Town Hall and the bus station, flaunting over 72 unique and individual stalls open five days a week. Whether you browse through the hordes of second-hand items, nip in for a bite to eat, or see what the flea market has to offer on a Thursday, Todmorden Market has you covered.

N – Nobel Prize Winners

Amongst the ranks of names such as Marie Curie and Albert Einstein, Todmorden also has its own Nobel Prize Winners. In 1951, John Cockcroft won the Nobel Prize for Physics, while Geoffrey Wilkinson won the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 1973. Famously, both winners attended Todmorden Grammar School as teenagers and were taught by the same science teacher. In 2017, the town came together to celebrate the achievements of both John and Geoffrey at the Town Hall.

O – Open Studios

Todmorden is a magnet for creative types, and the local Open Studios event in nearby Hebden Bridge invites artists to open the doors of their studios, homes or venues to the community. The event runs for three days every year. It is the perfect opportunity to get a glimpse of the spectacular creations of local artists, take a look behind the scenes at works in progress, and ask the creators themselves about the inspirations and messages behind their pieces.

P – Park

Home to the greenery and wildlife that make Todmorden so inviting, a walk through Centre Vale Park is the best way to get a sense of the tranquillity of the town. That is, of course, when it’s not hosting widely anticipated annual events. The Todmorden Country Fair takes place in the park every year, inviting anyone and everyone to compete with canine companions, show off their handmade creations, or even just grab a bite to eat. Covering an enormous 33 hectares, the park features a children’s playground, outdoor gym, a skatepark, bowling greens and a complete road system for toddlers — there’s lots to explore!

Q – Quaint

With an abundance of old-fashioned architecture and picturesque sights, Todmorden makes for an extremely charming town. A quick stroll down the cobbled stones of Water Street will surely give you this impression, with its traditional buildings and variety of quirky, independent shops. If you’re not one for the hectic crowds of the city, you may find Todmorden to have a much more comfortable feel.

R – Remembrance

Todmorden’s Memorial Garden can be found in Centre Vale Park. It remembers the 659 men from Todmorden who died in World War I and the 150 who passed in World War II. The memorial was unveiled on 9 October 1921, beside which a garden of flowers had been planted.

S – Stoodley Pike

Visible all the way from Beacon Hill in Halifax to Roper Lane in Bradford, the historic monument of Stoodley Pike has been around since 1856 and remains a popular destination for rounding off a hike. The structure was built as a symbol of resilience and peace, a reconstruction of an earlier version built in 1814 that had collapsed after being struck by lightning. Today, you can still scale the spiral staircase of 39 steps to see the rewarding view of the town, making the climb up there worth the effort.

T – Tunnel

When it first opened in Todmorden in 1841, the Summit Tunnel was the longest railway tunnel in the world. To ensure its construction, 13 steam engines, 100 horses, and between 800 and 1250 men and boys were necessary, and more than 23 million bricks were used. For the first time, a direct line between Manchester and Leeds was established, and the tunnel is still used today.

U – Unitarian Church

Built-in 1865, the Unitarian Church can be seen looming over Todmorden from almost every point in the town. In 1994, the Church underwent a £1 million restoration and repair project as a result of its closing in 1987. Although initially built by the three Fielden brothers, Samuel, John Jr and Joshua, to honour their late father, it’s now an inviting venue that is free for the public to plan events and ceremonies within. Its well-preserved gothic style is regarded as one of the finest examples in the North-West.

V – Venues

Todmorden’s Golden Lion on Rochdale Road punches well above its weight when it comes to putting on live musical events. Over the last few years, it has hosted Pulp’s Jarvis Cocker, Kevin Rowland from Dexys Midnight Runners, and Huey Morgan from Fun Loving Criminals. It’s even welcomed DJ sets from former world snooker champion Steve Davis. Owned by Matthanee Nilavongse, known locally as ‘Gig’, the charming pub is an ideal spot for a good time.

W – Wizard of Whirlaw

As you traverse the hills of Todmorden, you might just meet a new friendly face. Said to have been inspired by a William Holt novel, you can find the Wizard of Whirlaw statue waiting to greet you as you pass by Whirlaw rocks. Built in the style of the Easter Island sculptures, the statue is yet another one of Todmorden’s hidden gems, patiently waiting to be found.

X- Xtra-Terrestrial

If you are looking for an extra-terrestrial encounter, you are statistically onto a winner in Todmorden. In 1980, Alan Godfrey claimed to have seen an unusually bright light hovering above the ground. Upon its disappearance, he miraculously found himself a further 30 yards down the road. The story received global coverage, with everyone from the Guardian to the BBC putting Todmorden on the map. Famously UFO-friendly with well-documented high-profile sightings, Todmorden is out of this world not only for visitors from other solar systems but for UFO hunters from across the north of England.

Y – Yearly

The townsfolk of Tod seem to love tradition, as there are a number of events that are carried out annually without fail. The Todmorden carnival is always a good show, with anyone and everyone gathering to watch as participants parade through town. In addition, the Lamplighter Festival lights up the streets with its illuminated creations. Organised by carnival artists and puppeteers, anyone is free to join the spectacle. If something for the family is what you’re after, head to the Town Hall for Kidsfest, where children can take part in a variety of activities and games.

Z – Zen

Nestled between the hills of three valleys, it’s easy to find peace in the quiet countryside. Although still only 30 minutes from Manchester by train, Todmorden’s secluded and peaceful nature may suit you more than the chaos and buzz of city life.

So, if you’re planning a trip to Hebden Bridge, consider hopping off the train and stopping early. With Britain’s highest beach and a vibrant array of independent shops and cafes, there’s plenty to discover in this hidden gem.

Meet the locals of Todmorden in our Word On the Street here.

NorthernLife Sep/Oct/Nov 24