Category Archives: #Padiham

Espying Sneezewort on Hapton Moor

(Excerpt) Sneezewort (Achillea ptarmica) is a perennial member of the Asteraceae (daisy) family and typically grows between 30 and 60cm tall, occasionally a little higher, with stiff, upright stems that may be slightly hairy in the upper parts. The leaves are narrow, lance-shaped and finely toothed along the margins, quite different from the feathery, much-divided foliage of its cousin Yarrow, which is also found on Hapton moor.

A Brief History of St Leonard’s Church in Padiham

St Leonard’s Church stands proudly in the heart of Padiham, Lancashire, and is a striking example of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture that continues to serve its original purpose. While its current building dates from the late 1860s, the story of worship on this site stretches back further, more than 570 years, and traces the changing fortunes of the community from medieval village through industrial mill-town to the place we know and love today.

Cotton Chronicles: Lancashire Clog Fighting, A Brutal Northern Tradition

This vicious activity was once a widespread pastime across industrial Lancashire and other northern mining communities, lasting roughly 200 years from the 18th century into the mid-20th century. It was especially popular among colliers and mill workers, who used it to settle grudges, prove toughness, or even as a semi-professional spectacle with promoters, pub venues, and travelling champions.

Padiham on Parade 2025

Here are some shots from Padiham on Parade 2025, we only had time for a flying visit so missed the main events and a lot of people had gone home by this time. To learn more about Padiham Town Hall see here: Padiham Town Hall For some shots of Padiham on Parade 2024 and 2023Continue reading “Padiham on Parade 2025”

Closer to Home, Exploring the History around our Town; Hambledon Firing Range

I’ve poked and peered into all sorts of corners in my history articles, from Abbeystead to Whalley and everywhere between, but feel that I’ve overlooked some of the historical locations closer to home, around the towns of Padiham and Hapton where I live and work. With this in mind I set out the other dayContinue reading “Closer to Home, Exploring the History around our Town; Hambledon Firing Range”