To view older and newer blog posts, simply click on the links at the bottom of this page.
The suspension bridge
I’ve always been curious about the small, picturesque suspension bridge shown in some old photos of the valley, wondering when it was built, what happened to it, and where it was situated.
Goyt memories (1954)
Taken from a 1954 edition of the ‘Peakland’ magazine, Crichton Porteus recollects how the construction of the twin reservoirs led to the destruction of both Goyt’s Bridge and Errwood Hall.
Goyt’s Bridge School
One favourite trip was up the old Roman road, The Street, then across the fields to visit the small shrine of St. Joseph’s, before calling in at the coal mine on the way back for a lesson on its origins.
Finding Errwood Farm
Sarah is searching for Errwood Farm where her grandparents once lived. But although she thinks it was the lowest-lying farm not to be submerged, she’s been unable to locate the ruins.
Over the hills with a tandem
The Goyt Canyon opens suddenly out of the limestone hills, and for some eight miles to Taxal provides an exquisite ‘coast’ through sylvan scenery as rare as it is unexpected.
Fernilee inauguration
This shaky black and white silent film from 1932 records the inauguration ceremony for the construction of Fernilee Reservoir, with Stockport Corporation big-wigs standing apart from the navvies.
Goyt’s Bridge before the flood
This silent film was one of two taken in 1932, during the construction of Fernilee Reservoir. It features the hamlet of Goyt’s Bridge, which now lies submerged beneath Errwood Reservoir.
Before the flood . . .
A unique community vanished beneath the two reservoirs. Here’s the story in both words and pictures.
Goyt memories: Paul Mason
My dad told me about the time a pig ran off along the path going up to the hall. It ran over the edge and droped in the ravine. My grandad managed to get it out and clamed it for himself!
Errwood Hall plasterwork
It seems that rare fragments of Errwood Hall have survived! Some plasterwork copies of the Elgin Marbles were rescued before the hall was demolished in 1934.
Cycling the Goyt Valley (1932)
I passed Goyt’s Bridge Farm, which is to be demolished, and entered the lower stretch of the valley, where the second reservoir will be. They have already begun work by the Powder Mill.
The Moon of Gomrath
The Morrigan captures Colin and imprisons him in Errwood Hall, which her magic restores into a building, which except in moonlight teleports into a lightless magic realm.
What can it mean?
I found an online translation service, but the results weren’t very promising: ‘To go forth sea breath very concursationem when thorough consideration if he is among silence tranquilliatem’.
Errwood Hall reconstructed
A wonderful digital reconstruction of Errwood Hall by the Furness Vale Local History Society. I’d love to do something similar on Goyt’s Bridge – but wouldn’t know where to start!
Goyt Valley Romance book
Susan George writes: “Could you please send details of how I can purchase a copy of the Goyt Valley Romance book? Your web site is fascinating. The Goyt Valley is my favourite place to walk in.”