Goyt’s Bridge to music

Goyt’s Bridge to music

This short video of Goyt’s Bridge is taken from the longer 1932 cine film (click to view original). As well as editing it down, I’ve also added some background music. The clip shows views around the stepping stones and...
Life below stairs

Life below stairs

Above: I think this photo was taken outside the tea room at Goytshead Farm, in the centre of Goyt;’s Bridge. According to Gerald Hancock in his small book, Goyt Valley Romance, it shows the French chef from Errwood Hall at far left, alongside three...
Visiting the powder mills (1874)

Visiting the powder mills (1874)

Above: Powder mill firefighters with their small water pump. Explosions were relatively common at the mill. It could be a very dangerous place to work. Particularly when fighting fire in a gunpowder mill! Above: This 1910 map shows the size of the powder mill (click...
Errwood Hall party (1895)

Errwood Hall party (1895)

Above: Servants and staff pictured on the drive, outside Errwood Hall. Many would have been at the party described here. The only faces I can identify so far are Mr Wiles the Butler (far left), and his wife, the Housekeeper (seated at front). Errwood Estate Agent, Mr...
Visiting Errwood Hall in 1883

Visiting Errwood Hall in 1883

Exploring the ruins of Errwood Hall and wandering across the foundations of the various rooms, you can’t help thinking about the people who once lived within its walls, and trying to imagine the world they lived in. Errwood Hall lasted less than 100 years...
Goyt memories (1954)

Goyt memories (1954)

Above: A fine view of Errwood Hall and its ornamental gardens, taken from the path up to the Grimshawe’s hill-top cemetery. This article is taken from a 1954 issue of the Peakland Magazine, and written by Crichton Porteus. It appears on the Whaley Bridge...
Over the hills with a tandem

Over the hills with a tandem

Many thanks to Peter Jordan for sending me this article from ‘CTC Gazette’ cycling magazine which includes this wonderful description of a 1933 cycle trip through the Goyt Valley. It was one of two articles Peter kindly sent me. Click here to read...
Fernilee inauguration

Fernilee inauguration

Above: Construction ‘navvies’ pictured in their well-stocked pub, conveniently situated next to their temporary housing on the Valentine Road from Fernilee. This 1932 silent film records the Inauguration ceremony for the start of construction of Fernilee...
Goyt’s Bridge to music

Goyt’s Bridge before the flood

Above: A wonderful photo of a well-dressed family crossing the stepping stones in Goyt’s Bridge, heading towards the packhorse bridge. This silent film was one of two taken in 1932, during the construction of Fernilee Reservoir. Click to play. And click the...
Goyt memories: Paul Mason

Goyt memories: Paul Mason

Above: Paul’s Dad pictured soon after the construction of The Dish & Spoon Cafe in 1957. Paul says that it was built from stones reclaimed from the ruins of Errwood Hall. The cafe stands near the famous Cat & Fiddle pub. But has now been renamed (which I...