The vanished places of the Goyt Valley
On these pages I’ll include places that were lost following the construction of the twin reservoirs of Fernilee and Errwood. Ranging from the small one-room school which once stood within the hamlet of Goyt’s Bridge, to the large gunpowder factory which now lies beneath the cold waters of Fernilee. Contributions are always very welcome, so please do get in touch.
The stepping stones
A rare postcard of the stepping stones at Goyt’s Bridge, probably taken around 1910. I hadn’t seen this view before and it reveals some wonderful detail of this most picturesque spot.
Goyt Valley early ’30s #1
A scenic view across The Goyt towards Goytsbridge Farm in the distance. It’s one of a collection of photos of the valley taken in the early ’30s, shortly before the construction of the twin reservoirs.
1930s Goyt Valley photos
“I was going through some old photos dating to 1930/31 and there are several taken at Goyt Bridge. I have never been there myself but my father was involved with it at the time.”
Goyt’s Bridge then and now
I’ve tried to match an old photo of the small hamlet of Goyt’s Bridge with today’s scene across Errwood Reservoir, and merge one over the other. It’s not perfect, but it’s fairly close.
The lost bridge
Goyt’s Bridge, carrying Goyt’s Lane over the stream and one of the most popular picnic places, will be submerged, unless some society wishes to remove it for reconstruction elsewhere…
Goytsclough Paint Mill
The Goytsclough Paint Mills provided employment for around 20 people. Crushed baryte was packed in bags and taken by wagon to be loaded onto the High Peak Railway.
Goytsclough Quarry
Stone from Goytsclough Quarry was used to pave both Regent Street and Oxford Street in London. Today, few signs remain of an industry created in the 17th century by the founder of Pickfords Removals.
Errwood Bridge
“The photo shows a bridge over a stream but seemingly not Goyt’s Bridge. I can sort of remember it, it was a delightful place, the sort my parents sought out for picnics…”
Goyt’s Bridge cafes
“Victorian visitors travelled many miles in their horsedrawn carriages, not just to see the wonderful Goyt Valley in summer, but to admire and enjoy the gardens with their variety and beauty. Then to take tea…”
Castedge Coal Mine
Old OS maps show a ‘Coal Pit’ between Errwood Hall and Castedge Farmhouse. The entrance to the mine has long since been blocked and is now covered by thick undergrowth.
Castedge Farmhouse
All that remains of Castedge Farmhouse today is a sad pile of stones beside a junction of footpaths showing the muddled outline of a once attractive and fairly substantial stone building.
The Stepping Stones
The stones allowed pedestrians to cross the River Goyt between Gatehouse Cottage and Goytshead Farm. Wildmoorstone Brook flowed into the Goyt at this point, from high on the moors.
The Packhorse Bridge
The small packhorse bridge which stood for centuries in the heart of Goyt’s Bridge has miraculously survived. Though not many people who stroll past it may realise it.
Shooter’s Clough Bridge
There were two bridges in Goyt’s Bridge. The one that features in all the photos and postcards is the picturesque packhorse bridge. This bridge stood close to The Gatehouse & Gardener’s Cottage.
Gatehouse Cottage
Although marked on old OS maps as Errwood Cottage, it’s usually known as the ‘Gatehouse & Gardener’s Cottage’, and was situated beside the gates at the foot of the lane leading up to Errwood Hall.
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’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.