During the 1950’s I remember there being at the old Top O’th Slate Quarry two cave entrance holes to its East side, it was always rumoured that these two caves if traversed would eventually give access and join up with the caves on the other side of Cribden (Cridden = hill of stags) at Pinner (Crawshawbooth). More than one person used to speak of this, but I have yet to meet anyone who as actually travelled this so called route and personally I find it very hard to believe, that the Caves could have possibly covered the great distance necessary and to what point would it have achieved? and I think it is probably more a case of a wishful thinking exercise…… during the 1970s approx, the Cave entrances where blocked over for obvious safety reasons. Originally the caves where formed as a result of mining/quarrying operations for which I presume would have been the Haslingden Plastic Brick & Tile Company, where quarrymen/miners would go into the caves and bring out the shale aggregate which would have been the raw material to make Bricks for the building trade.
Going back to the 1950’s, this old Quarry was being used as a industrial tip, and often, a beige coloured slurry was somedays poured into the quarry bottom, some sort of waste, at other times I would see carpet and underlay remnants, and sometimes tins of paint (by their hundreds), having been dumped there by McPhersons paint manufacturers of Bury (better known by their trade name of Johnstones Paint). I remember as a young boy once taking several tins home with me when we lived at Hud Hey area of Haslingden, the tins which bore the wording “varnish” and I decided with my parents permission to set too and varnish coat the four dining room chairs. Several days later and the chairs where still as wet as when I varnished them. You can imagine this did not go down well with my parents. Obviously the reason the varnish was on the tip!!.
More recently (probably from the 80s) the Rossendale Borough Council administered the tip which was licensed to the County Planning Officer of the County Council based at County Hall, Preston. And from that date until the reclamation of the site the site was used purely for Rossendale Borough Council’s highways waste eg: old curbstones, broken flags, sets, tarmac and various hardcores, whilst the East side of the old quarry was used for compositing operations (eg old surface water drain contents etc.
The area in the main had been semi-derelict in the greater part and left for nature to reclaim. I did spend a few years in this area observing and listing wildlife and have now compiled the following list of species recorded between the years of the 1980s and up to 2009.
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THE HASLINGDEN MURDER "Scene of the Tragedy" 22nd Jan 1902 Lancashire Evening Post"
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On Tuesday afternoon, writes our Accrington representative, I visited the scene of the Haslingden Murder, which, of course, forms the main subject of conversation in the district just now. The drizzling rain was spent across the valley and over the hills with a force anything but comfortable for the wayfarer, and the general surroundings of the Slate Reservoir were of a dismal order, in keeping with the tragic associations of the place. The brick yard, at the far end of which the reservoir is situated, is approached from Haslingden by way of Higher-lane, which is all on the ascent, and runs through the outskirts of the town. This is the district inhabited by the poorer class of residents, and in part both Kershaw and the unfortunate lad Rostron lived. The brickworks are not now in use, and the reservoir itself lies in an obsucre corner below the level of the yard. At the back a disused quarry rises above it, and a sort of embankment of shale, bricks, stones etc., surround the other three sides. It is not a large sheet of water. Its length is about 63ft one way and 55ft the other. A gentleman who was engaged in taking measurements when I arrived told me that the water was 5ft 3" deep in that part of the reservoir tested by him. The wall is built of brick, concreted over on the inner side, and hence any lad in the water would have no chance of saving himself, as there is nothing on which he could lay hold. Boys, I was told, have during their play hours floated rafts on the water when it has been lower and made it a bathing place in summer time, borrowing a ladder of their own accord from the brickworks up which to climb out of the water. The isolation of the place would lend itself to the unauthorized use which the lads made of it as a playground, but very uninviting is the appearance of the reservoir at present, for floating along with some planks in one corner and three dead dogs. There is vehicular traffic along Higher-lane, but a narrow field intervenes, between the road and the wall which encloses the old quarry, and even from the field the bottom of the quarry is totally hidden from view. A bit of a pathway leading o'er t'top - as Haslingden folk say - to the bleak country Crawshawbooth way, runs along the inner side of this wall, and from this path a good view is obtained of Stonefold, Duckworth Clough, the Accrington road, Blackburn Old-road, and the other side of the valley. This pathway overlooks the reservoir, but it is little used, especially in the Winter. The scene of the murder was visited by many people on Sunday, and as I returned to the railway station yesterday I met a large number of residents wending their way to the Parish Churchyard- almost adjoining which Rostron's parents reside - to witness the funeral of the poor lad who had met with such a tragic and untimely end.
HASLINGDEN MYSTERY SOLVED - BOYS SENSATIONAL REVELATION - Lancashire Evening Post 17th January 1902.
A Haslingden mystery was partly solved today at noon. James Edward Rostron, aged 12 has been missing since Wednesday afternoon. It was ascertained that on that afternoon he was fetched from school by a lad named James Kershaw of Higher-lane, but even this afternoon Kershaw denied having anyh knowledge of Rostron's movements, and could not be moved from that position. At the Police Station, however, Rostron's aunt pleaded piteously with Kershaw to enlighten them. Ultimately Kershaw gave way to her pleas and tears, and said that Rostron, while throwing a sto ne near a pond, fell into the water. The body was recovered at noon. The police are still investigating the matter, which has caused a sensation in the town.
Western Times 20th Jaunary 1902
At Haslingden, James Kershaw, 14, was remanded on a charge of murdering James Edward Rostron, 12 Rostron had been missing since Wednesday, and his body was recovered from a pond on Friday. A watch was missing from the deceased's clothes, and prisoner told the police where he had hidden it.
Haslingden Mystery - A Half-Timer charged with murder - Manchester Courier and lancashire General Advertiser 25th January 1902.
James Kershaw of Higher-lane, aged 14, was remanded at Haslingden on Saturday on the charge of murder of James Edward Rostron, aged 12, the son of James Rostron, of Church-lane, a weaver. The lad had been missing since Wednesday, and every probable cause of his disappearance was exhausted without any light being thrown upon the matter. An idea originated that on Wedesday afternoon Rostron. .........
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TOP O’TH’ SLATE – NATURE RECORDS: (records during the period 1980 to 2009 Not in alphabetical order)
Breeding BirdsBlackcap – At least 1 pair during the period 2006 and 2007, but not recorded since 2007.
Grasshopper Warbler – Probably 2 breeding pair during the 1980s and 1990s, they have been absent since the start of the millennium.
Linnet – One breeding pair up to 2008, recent status unknown.
Whitethroat – First recorded 2006 – there was two singing birds present and breeding was suspected during 2006 but not recorded since 2007.
Willow Warbler - usually 4 to 5 breeding pairs,
Other breeding birds on site are: Blackbird (3 to 4 pair), Wren, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Robin, Dunnock and Chaffinch.
Mammals:
Roe Deer (occasional visitor), Red Deer hind (June 2007 only), Red Fox, Rabbit, Mole, Grey Squirrel, Pipistrelle Bat.
Butterflies: (13 varieties)
Small Heath Butterfly (last week in June – plentiful)
Small Skipper (last week in June – plentiful)
Painted Lady, a couple of specimens recorded late June – August 25th 2003.
Red Admiral Butterfly – common
Small Tortoiseshell Butterfly – Last week in June – Common
Small Copper – July & August – odd specimens
Peacock Butterfly – May
Large White – May
Wall Brown – mid August – several records
Meadow Brown – plentiful
Orange Tip – May
Gatekeeper – Mid Aug – first recorded 2007 – rare at present
Speckled Wood.
Moths (62 varieties) (I am thankful to my friends Charles Payne and Arlene Harris who kindly help with the identifications, photographing and listings of the Moth species over several visits)
Chimney Sweeper Moth,
Cinnabar Moth,
The Snout,
Latticed Heath Moth,
Ghost Moth,
Swallowtailed Moth,
Smoky Wainscot,
Gold Spot,
Clouded Border,
Dark Arches,
Antler Moth,
Purple Bar,
Small Phoenix,
True Lover’s Knot,
Iron Prominent,
Mother Of Pearl,
Twin Spot Carpet,
Lesser Broad Bordered Yellow Underwing
Grey Dagger,
Common Rustic
Phoenix,
Small Phoenix,
Marbled Minor,
Large Yellow Underwing,
Lesser Yellow Underwing,
Autumnal Rustic,
Common Marbled Carpet,
Sallow,
Angle Shades,
Flame Carpet,
Rosy Rustic,
Square Spot Rustic,
Grey Pine Carpet,
Willow Beauty,
Rhopobota naevana,
Acleris emargana,
Ingrailed Clay,
Light Emerald,
Beautiful Golden Y
Brimstone,
Clouded Border Brindle,
Coxcomb Prominent,
Flame Shoulder,
Peach Blossom,
Small Magpie,
Straw Dot,
Flame,
Clouded Silver,
Peppered Moth,
Common White Wave,
Plain Golden Y,
Dusky Brocade,
Scoparia ambigualis,
Marbled Minor,
Marbled,
Heart and Dart,
Small Square Spot,
Silver-Ground Carpet,
Burnished Brass,
Dark Spectacle,
Crambus lathoniellus,
Swammerdamia pyrella,
Brown Spot Pinion,
Insects recorded at Top O’th’ SlateYellow Ophion,
St Mark’s Fly (Bibio marci)
St Mark’s Fly (Bibio pomonae)
Netalia testaceus,
Picromerus bidens,
Helophilus pendulus.
Common Leafhopper,
Cantharis Livida,
Dancing Fly (Empis tessalata),
Garden Spider (Araneus diadematus),
Rhagonycha fulva,
7 Spot Ladybird,
Black Bean Aphid,
Cidella Viridis (Turquoise Leafhopper),
Drone Fly,
Turquoise Weevil (Phyllobius pomaceus),
Blue Tailed Damselfly (Ischnura elegans)
Flora recorded at Top O’th Slate (105 species)Himalayan Balsam (prior to reclamation)
Pineapple Mayweed,
Bluebell (both English & Italian),
Butterbur,
Jacob’s Ladder,
Bloody Cranesbill,
Herb Robert,
LESSER PERIWINKLE,
Lesser Celandine,
Birdsfoot Trefoil,
Common Spotted Orchid,
Lady’s Mantle,
Perennial Cornflower,
Cowslip (prior to reclamation)
Foxglove,
Columbine,
Ragged Robin,
Yellow Irish,
Ragwort,
Wild Raspberry,
Tufted Vetch,
Woolly Thistle,
Yellow Loostrife,
Daisy,
Dandelion,
Buttercup.
Hawthorn,
Harebell,
Water Forget Me Not
Yellow Poppy (Welsh),
Yellow Vetch,
Common Poppy,
Wild Daffodil,
Autumn Gentian,
Bistort,
Black Knapweed
Bridewort (Spiraea salicifolia),
Meadow Cranesbill,
Broom,
Changing Forgetmenot,
Chicory (Introduced 2007),
Common Comfrey,
Common Nettle,
Common Scurvygrass,
Creeping Buttercup,
Corn Marigold,
Creeping Thistle,
Crocus (escape and since 2007) A Yellow Variety and also a White Variety.
Dotted Loostrife,
Dropwort,
Cuckoo Flower,
Field Pansy (Introduced since 2007)
Feverfew,
Garlic Mustard,
Gorse,
Greater Burdock,
Hairy Bittercress,
Heather,
Hedge Bindweed,
Hedge Woundwort,
Herb Robert,
Hogweed,
Ivy,
Jacobs Ladder (prior to 2007) not seen since
Japanese Knotweed,
Knotgrass,
Ladys Mantle,
Large Bittercress,
Large Flowered Evening Primrose (Introduced 2007),
Lesser Trefoil,
Meadowsweet (introduced 2007),
Montbretia,
Orange Poppy, (introduced 2007),
Wild Pansy (introduced 2007 with disturbed soils),
Procumbent Pearlwort,
Prickly Sow Thistle,
Privet Bush,
Red Bartsia,
Red Campion,
Redshank,
Ribbed Melilot,
Rosebay Willowherb,
Scented Mayweed,
Self Heal,
Sneezewort,
Sorrell,
Sticky Mouse Ear,
Thyme-leaved Speedwell,
Tormentil,
Vipers Bugloss (Introduced 2007),
Weld (Introduced 2007),
White Campion (Introduced 2007),
White Clover,
Wild Turnip,
Woolley Thistle
Columbine (Red) spread with disturbed soil prior 2007
Columbine (Pink) spread with disturbed soil prior 2007
Columbine (Lilac) spread with disturbed soil prior 2007,
Yarrow,
Great Willowherb,
Broad Leaved Willowherb,
Meadow Foam,
Teasel (Introduced 2007),
Water Horsetail.
And here is a poem composed by the late Haslingden's Major David Halstead titled "Billy Suets Song" and does have connections to the Haslingden Top O'th Slate:
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Bodle un Mischief un Poncake un me
One Setthurday mornin’ went out for a spree;
Four lasses we met uz were goin’ up th’ Slate-
Thur wur Sarah un Mary un Martha un Kate.
They lived wi’ the’r feyther up on th’ Cribden Side,
He’d work’d up o’ th’ farm whol the’r shuttle they plied,
“They’s all hev the’r looms,” th’ owd feyther said,
“When they leave Cribden Side for to goo un get wed.”
Well, aw needed a loom, un aw needed a wife,
For aw’d getten reifth stauled ov a bachelor’s life;
Un Mischief un Bodle un Poncake all said
They’d bin long enough single – they’d goo un get wed.
“Well, Sarah,” aw sed, “aw’m beawn to ha’ thee”;
“Aw’m too fond o’ Mischief,” sed Sarah to me,
“Un aw’m promis’t a good pair o’ looms when aw wed” –
“By gum, Sal, aw’ll tak’ un un thee,” Mischief sed.
Well, then aw axed Martha if hoo’d cooart wi me –
“When tha hesn’d a Bodle to bless thisel wi!” –
Soa Bodle took this uz a hint to propose;
An’ a foine pair o’ looms un Martha aw lose.
Soa Mary un Kate were soon left by thersel,
One day we see’d Kate fotchin’ wayter fro’ th’ well,
Then Poncake un me booath together did strike:
“Aw ne’er cared for Suet, but Poncake aw like!”
Well, Moll un her looms they wur booath still to let,
Un id worn’d very long afore Mary aw met;
Aw wor twistin’ a warp in th’ owd spinnin’ rooms;
Neaw aw’ve getten th’ feawst lass un th’ wo’st pair o’ looms.
This poem/song was performed by a great late friend of mine from the 60s Harry Boardman of Middleton and he included it on the Compilation album "Owdham Edge"...
If you wish to check out further nature information please go to the Top O'Th Slate Nature Site by clicking here
TOP O’TH’ SLATE - Title and History as I rememberI was always under the impression for some reason it was called “Top O’th’ Slate”, but recently checking my old 1911 ordnance survey it clearly shows it as “Top Of Slate”. And more recently since the “Slate” Land reclamation and the erection of the panopticon it’s being called “Top O Slate”, on both Information boards and online internet sites etc. So does this mean that there is no definitive title?
I’ll stick with “Top O’th’ Slate” because If I am not mistaken, this was the original name given on the early title deed, and again further exampled in the following historic proposed land sale ( year 1900):( Valuable Brick Works and Stone Quarry for Sale as a going concern
TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION, by Mr. Ralph Greenwood, F.A.I., at the Commercial Hotel, Haslingden, on Wednesday, November 7th, 1900, at seven o’clock in the evening, subject to the general conditions of the Manchester Incorporated Law Association, and to such Special Conditions as shall be produced at the time of sale.
THE BRICK WORKS AND STONE QUARRY, situate at Top o’ th’ Slate, Haslingden, recently held by the New Haslingden Plastic Brick Co. Ltd., with the fixed and loose Brickmaking and Quarry Plant, comprising:-
ALL THOSE PLOTS OF LAND at Top o’ th’ Slate aforesaid, containing together 14 acres 39 perches, or thereabouts.
There are several hundred yards of valuable rock already bared, and the face of rock and slate combined is some 60 feet in depth.
This property is Copyhold of the Manor of Accrington Old Hold, and is subject to the ordinary copyhold incidents and nominal Lord’s rent. The mineral rights are claimed by the Lords of the said Manor, and are now enjoyed by arrangement with them or their lessees, a small Annual Sum being paid therefore, 2 Large Water Reservoirs, holding capacity 200,000 and 100,000 gallons respectively).
It was during the 1950’s when I used to occasionally go and play at the old Top O’th’ Slate Quarry, and at that time it had long ceased to operate has a “quarry” and was derelict to be used at a later date as a commercial/industrial tip, and even later as a tip for highway waste and composting operations for Rossendale Borough Council.
There were two cave entrance holes to the Northerly side of the quarry. I did on several occasions enter these caves and went into them a few yard or so, but it was too dark and probably unsafe to go far, but was told that they went back for quite a long distance.
Moving on, it was probably about the 1970s, that the Cave entrances were blocked over for safety reasons (in situ photos shown here). Originally the caves had been formed as a result of mining/quarrying operations, where quarrymen/miners would go into the caves and bring out the shale aggregate to make Bricks for the building trade, the quarry being called the “Top O’th’ Slate Quarry and the Company operating was called the Haslingden Plastic Brick and Tile Co
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Top o’ th’ Slate
A new brick company for Haslingden - A company has been formed with a capital of £2,000 to acquire, refurnish and work the Slate Brick Works, formerly worked by the owner Mr. John Greenwood. Operations are expected to commence a month hence. Messrs. D. Halstead, E. Schofield, W. H. Blaney, E. Barlow, H. Tattersall, H. Hall, A. Bailey, and James Watt are the princupal shareholders at present.
[Ramsbottom Observer 7th February 1896]
Haslingden Plastic Brick and Tile Co. - The works of this company were opened at The Slate, Haslingden, on Saturday, by the ceremony of christening the engine. In the absence of the chairman, Mr. Albert Warburton, Cllr. Waite, the vice-chairman of the company, called upon Mrs. Edward Schofield to christen the engine. She did so by breaking a bottle of champagne. The works have been acquired by the company from the Bury Banking Co. The shale is extensive and of good quality, and with the new machinery which has been put in the company expect to work on easier terms than their neighbours, the old works having merely needed new machinery and certain adaptations to modern requirements.
[Ramsbottom Observer 8th May 1896]
The Haslingden Plastic Brick and Tile Co. was wound up on 13th October 1898. A new company was formed in the same year called the New Haslingden Plastic Brick Co. This was wound up on 19th September 1900.
Valuable Brick Works and Stone Quarry for Sale as a going concern
TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION, by Mr. Ralph Greenwood, F.A.I., at the Commercial Hotel, Haslingden, on Wednesday, November 7th, 1900, at seven o’clock in the evening, subject to the general conditions of the Manchester Incorporated Law Association, and to such Special Conditions as shall be produced at the time of sale.
THE BRICK WORKS AND STONE QUARRY, situate at Top o’ th’ Slate, Haslingden, recently held by the New Haslingden Plastic Brick Co. Ltd., with the fixed and loose Brickmaking and Quarry Plant, comprising:-
ALL THOSE PLOTS OF LAND at Top o’ th’ Slate aforesaid, containing together 14 acres 39 perches, or thereabouts.
There are several hundred yards of valuable rock already bared, and the face of rock and slate combined is some 60 feet in depth.
This property is Copyhold of the Manor of Accrington Old Hold, and is subject to the ordinary copyhold incidents and nominal Lord’s rent. The mineral rights are claimed by the Lords of the said Manor, and are now enjoyed by arrangement with them or their lessees, a small Annual Sum being paid therefore, 2 Large Water Reservoirs, holding capacity 200,000 and 100,000 gallons respectively.
THE BUILDINGS, consisting of Brickmaking Departments arranged for six machines and screening stage, Boiler House and Round Chimney Stack, 90 ft. high; fixed riveted Iron Cistern, extending over Boiler House, holding capacity 30,000 gallons, Engine House, Mechanics’ Shop, Smith’s Shop, and wood erected offices.
THE KILNS, consisting of Patent continuous 16-Chambered Kiln (holding capacity 128,000), 4 Downdraught Kilns (holding capacity 84,000), and square built brick chimneys.
MOTIVE POWER, ETC., including Steam Boiler 30 ft. by 8 ft., and Mountings by Daniel Adamson, Tangye’s Patent Pump, Horizontal High Pressure Steam Engine, 20 in. cylinder, 18 in. stroke, and patent exhaust Injector with 7 ft. unbreakable Belt Pulley, 16 in. on face; 90 ft. Cotton Driving Belt, 14 in. wide and leather and other Belting, Main Shafting, Gearing, Steam and Water Piping.
THE PLANT AND MACHINERY, consisting of Tramways as laid from face of shale to screening and grinding room, together with Steam Hauling Gear and Waggons, Clay Grinding and Mixing Mills, with 9 foot Pan by Johnson, and ditto. 8 ft. by Alexander, and Elevators in connection therewith, Pug Mill by Johnson, 3 re-press Brickmaking Machines by C. Whittaker & Co. Ltd., recently new; Johnson’s Plastic Brickmaking Machine. Steam or Hand Press by Pullan and Mann, together with a large quantity of Dies and Boxes for all machines.
CONTENTS OF MECHANICS’ SHOP, including Planing Machine and Tools by Louden Bros., Glasgow, Patent Self-acting upright Drilling Machine by The Davis and Egan Machine Co., Vertical Donkey Engine, small horizontal Engine, Grindstone and Frame, Mechanics’ Tools, Stocks, Taps and Dies, Benches, Racks and Tools, Smith’s Hearth, Anvil, Swages, Hammers, Hand drill, etc. EGG END BOILER, 13 ft. 6 in. by 4 ft. 10 in., used as a water reserve; MORTAR MILL, STEAM CRANE by J. Hargreaves, Rawtenstall, and wire rope for same; One HAND-CRANE; Timber-made waggon road, with rails and sleepers for baring purposes; End and side tip waggons; wire hauling rope; wheel plates; buckling chains, bars and picks; 21 brick and box barrows, ladders, planking and timber. A large quantity of blue slates, office furniture and safe by J. Grove, Birmingham, 36 in. by 26 in; general stores and loose effects.
For further particulars, apply to the Auctioneer, 21, Bury-road, Haslingden, and at no. 5 Pillar, Royal Exchange, Manchester; or to Messrs Whittaker & Hibbert, Solicitors, Haslingden.
[Ramsbottom Observer 2nd November 1900]Thanks to John Simpson, for supplying this superb information on the Haslingden Plastic Brick Company.
Another photo of Haslingden Plastic Bricks (click here) as kindly supplied by Mr. Douglas Newton
(Click here to see blog on this company).
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Varnish that would not dry!
During the period of the late 50s the old Quarry was being used as a industrial/commercial tip. The old quarry bottom being filled with a sort of beige coloured slurry at one time. At other times I would see carpet and underlay remnants and other times there were tins of paint (by their hundreds), this was said to have been dumped there by McPhersons paint manufacturers of Bury. (Johnstones Paints).
Taking about paint, what memories!! I remember has a young boy once taking several tins home when we lived at Hud Hey, the tins which bore the wording “varnish”, and I decided with my parents permission to set to and varnish coat the four dining room chairs. Several days later and the chairs where still as wet as when I initially varnished them. You can imagine this did not go down well with my parents. Obviously the reason the varnish was on the tip in the first place!!.
I’ll stick with “Top O’th’ Slate” because If I am not mistaken, this was the original name given on the early title deed, and again further exampled in the following historic proposed land sale ( year 1900):( Valuable Brick Works and Stone Quarry for Sale as a going concern
TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION, by Mr. Ralph Greenwood, F.A.I., at the Commercial Hotel, Haslingden, on Wednesday, November 7th, 1900, at seven o’clock in the evening, subject to the general conditions of the Manchester Incorporated Law Association, and to such Special Conditions as shall be produced at the time of sale.
THE BRICK WORKS AND STONE QUARRY, situate at Top o’ th’ Slate, Haslingden, recently held by the New Haslingden Plastic Brick Co. Ltd., with the fixed and loose Brickmaking and Quarry Plant, comprising:-
ALL THOSE PLOTS OF LAND at Top o’ th’ Slate aforesaid, containing together 14 acres 39 perches, or thereabouts.
There are several hundred yards of valuable rock already bared, and the face of rock and slate combined is some 60 feet in depth.
This property is Copyhold of the Manor of Accrington Old Hold, and is subject to the ordinary copyhold incidents and nominal Lord’s rent. The mineral rights are claimed by the Lords of the said Manor, and are now enjoyed by arrangement with them or their lessees, a small Annual Sum being paid therefore, 2 Large Water Reservoirs, holding capacity 200,000 and 100,000 gallons respectively).
It was during the 1950’s when I used to occasionally go and play at the old Top O’th’ Slate Quarry, and at that time it had long ceased to operate has a “quarry” and was derelict to be used at a later date as a commercial/industrial tip, and even later as a tip for highway waste and composting operations for Rossendale Borough Council.
There were two cave entrance holes to the Northerly side of the quarry. I did on several occasions enter these caves and went into them a few yard or so, but it was too dark and probably unsafe to go far, but was told that they went back for quite a long distance.
Moving on, it was probably about the 1970s, that the Cave entrances were blocked over for safety reasons (in situ photos shown here). Originally the caves had been formed as a result of mining/quarrying operations, where quarrymen/miners would go into the caves and bring out the shale aggregate to make Bricks for the building trade, the quarry being called the “Top O’th’ Slate Quarry and the Company operating was called the Haslingden Plastic Brick and Tile Co
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Top o’ th’ Slate
A new brick company for Haslingden - A company has been formed with a capital of £2,000 to acquire, refurnish and work the Slate Brick Works, formerly worked by the owner Mr. John Greenwood. Operations are expected to commence a month hence. Messrs. D. Halstead, E. Schofield, W. H. Blaney, E. Barlow, H. Tattersall, H. Hall, A. Bailey, and James Watt are the princupal shareholders at present.
[Ramsbottom Observer 7th February 1896]
Haslingden Plastic Brick and Tile Co. - The works of this company were opened at The Slate, Haslingden, on Saturday, by the ceremony of christening the engine. In the absence of the chairman, Mr. Albert Warburton, Cllr. Waite, the vice-chairman of the company, called upon Mrs. Edward Schofield to christen the engine. She did so by breaking a bottle of champagne. The works have been acquired by the company from the Bury Banking Co. The shale is extensive and of good quality, and with the new machinery which has been put in the company expect to work on easier terms than their neighbours, the old works having merely needed new machinery and certain adaptations to modern requirements.
[Ramsbottom Observer 8th May 1896]
The Haslingden Plastic Brick and Tile Co. was wound up on 13th October 1898. A new company was formed in the same year called the New Haslingden Plastic Brick Co. This was wound up on 19th September 1900.
Valuable Brick Works and Stone Quarry for Sale as a going concern
TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION, by Mr. Ralph Greenwood, F.A.I., at the Commercial Hotel, Haslingden, on Wednesday, November 7th, 1900, at seven o’clock in the evening, subject to the general conditions of the Manchester Incorporated Law Association, and to such Special Conditions as shall be produced at the time of sale.
THE BRICK WORKS AND STONE QUARRY, situate at Top o’ th’ Slate, Haslingden, recently held by the New Haslingden Plastic Brick Co. Ltd., with the fixed and loose Brickmaking and Quarry Plant, comprising:-
ALL THOSE PLOTS OF LAND at Top o’ th’ Slate aforesaid, containing together 14 acres 39 perches, or thereabouts.
There are several hundred yards of valuable rock already bared, and the face of rock and slate combined is some 60 feet in depth.
This property is Copyhold of the Manor of Accrington Old Hold, and is subject to the ordinary copyhold incidents and nominal Lord’s rent. The mineral rights are claimed by the Lords of the said Manor, and are now enjoyed by arrangement with them or their lessees, a small Annual Sum being paid therefore, 2 Large Water Reservoirs, holding capacity 200,000 and 100,000 gallons respectively.
THE BUILDINGS, consisting of Brickmaking Departments arranged for six machines and screening stage, Boiler House and Round Chimney Stack, 90 ft. high; fixed riveted Iron Cistern, extending over Boiler House, holding capacity 30,000 gallons, Engine House, Mechanics’ Shop, Smith’s Shop, and wood erected offices.
THE KILNS, consisting of Patent continuous 16-Chambered Kiln (holding capacity 128,000), 4 Downdraught Kilns (holding capacity 84,000), and square built brick chimneys.
MOTIVE POWER, ETC., including Steam Boiler 30 ft. by 8 ft., and Mountings by Daniel Adamson, Tangye’s Patent Pump, Horizontal High Pressure Steam Engine, 20 in. cylinder, 18 in. stroke, and patent exhaust Injector with 7 ft. unbreakable Belt Pulley, 16 in. on face; 90 ft. Cotton Driving Belt, 14 in. wide and leather and other Belting, Main Shafting, Gearing, Steam and Water Piping.
THE PLANT AND MACHINERY, consisting of Tramways as laid from face of shale to screening and grinding room, together with Steam Hauling Gear and Waggons, Clay Grinding and Mixing Mills, with 9 foot Pan by Johnson, and ditto. 8 ft. by Alexander, and Elevators in connection therewith, Pug Mill by Johnson, 3 re-press Brickmaking Machines by C. Whittaker & Co. Ltd., recently new; Johnson’s Plastic Brickmaking Machine. Steam or Hand Press by Pullan and Mann, together with a large quantity of Dies and Boxes for all machines.
CONTENTS OF MECHANICS’ SHOP, including Planing Machine and Tools by Louden Bros., Glasgow, Patent Self-acting upright Drilling Machine by The Davis and Egan Machine Co., Vertical Donkey Engine, small horizontal Engine, Grindstone and Frame, Mechanics’ Tools, Stocks, Taps and Dies, Benches, Racks and Tools, Smith’s Hearth, Anvil, Swages, Hammers, Hand drill, etc. EGG END BOILER, 13 ft. 6 in. by 4 ft. 10 in., used as a water reserve; MORTAR MILL, STEAM CRANE by J. Hargreaves, Rawtenstall, and wire rope for same; One HAND-CRANE; Timber-made waggon road, with rails and sleepers for baring purposes; End and side tip waggons; wire hauling rope; wheel plates; buckling chains, bars and picks; 21 brick and box barrows, ladders, planking and timber. A large quantity of blue slates, office furniture and safe by J. Grove, Birmingham, 36 in. by 26 in; general stores and loose effects.
For further particulars, apply to the Auctioneer, 21, Bury-road, Haslingden, and at no. 5 Pillar, Royal Exchange, Manchester; or to Messrs Whittaker & Hibbert, Solicitors, Haslingden.
[Ramsbottom Observer 2nd November 1900]Thanks to John Simpson, for supplying this superb information on the Haslingden Plastic Brick Company.
Another photo of Haslingden Plastic Bricks (click here) as kindly supplied by Mr. Douglas Newton
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Varnish that would not dry!
During the period of the late 50s the old Quarry was being used as a industrial/commercial tip. The old quarry bottom being filled with a sort of beige coloured slurry at one time. At other times I would see carpet and underlay remnants and other times there were tins of paint (by their hundreds), this was said to have been dumped there by McPhersons paint manufacturers of Bury. (Johnstones Paints).
Taking about paint, what memories!! I remember has a young boy once taking several tins home when we lived at Hud Hey, the tins which bore the wording “varnish”, and I decided with my parents permission to set to and varnish coat the four dining room chairs. Several days later and the chairs where still as wet as when I initially varnished them. You can imagine this did not go down well with my parents. Obviously the reason the varnish was on the tip in the first place!!.
More recently (probably from the 80s) the Rossendale Borough Council administered the tip which was licensed to the County Planning Officer of the County Council based at County Hall, Preston. And from that date until the reclamation of the site the site was used purely for Rossendale Borough Council’s highways waste eg: old curbstones, broken flags, sets, tarmac and various hardcores, whilst the East side of the old quarry was used for compositing operations (eg old surface water drain contents etc.
The area in the main had been semi-derelict in the greater part and left for nature to reclaim. I did spend a few years in this area observing and listing wildlife and have now compiled the following list of species recorded between the years of the 1980s and up to 2009.
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THE HASLINGDEN MURDER "Scene of the Tragedy" 22nd Jan 1902 Lancashire Evening Post"
HASLINGDEN MYSTERY SOLVED - BOYS SENSATIONAL REVELATION - Lancashire Evening Post 17th January 1902.
A Haslingden mystery was partly solved today at noon. James Edward Rostron, aged 12 has been missing since Wednesday afternoon. It was ascertained that on that afternoon he was fetched from school by a lad named James Kershaw of Higher-lane, but even this afternoon Kershaw denied having anyh knowledge of Rostron's movements, and could not be moved from that position. At the Police Station, however, Rostron's aunt pleaded piteously with Kershaw to enlighten them. Ultimately Kershaw gave way to her pleas and tears, and said that Rostron, while throwing a sto ne near a pond, fell into the water. The body was recovered at noon. The police are still investigating the matter, which has caused a sensation in the town.
Western Times 20th Jaunary 1902
At Haslingden, James Kershaw, 14, was remanded on a charge of murdering James Edward Rostron, 12 Rostron had been missing since Wednesday, and his body was recovered from a pond on Friday. A watch was missing from the deceased's clothes, and prisoner told the police where he had hidden it.
Haslingden Mystery - A Half-Timer charged with murder - Manchester Courier and lancashire General Advertiser 25th January 1902.
James Kershaw of Higher-lane, aged 14, was remanded at Haslingden on Saturday on the charge of murder of James Edward Rostron, aged 12, the son of James Rostron, of Church-lane, a weaver. The lad had been missing since Wednesday, and every probable cause of his disappearance was exhausted without any light being thrown upon the matter. An idea originated that on Wedesday afternoon Rostron. .........
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TOP O’TH’ SLATE – NATURE RECORDS: (records during the period 1980 to 2009 Not in alphabetical order)
Breeding BirdsBlackcap – At least 1 pair during the period 2006 and 2007, but not recorded since 2007.
Grasshopper Warbler – Probably 2 breeding pair during the 1980s and 1990s, they have been absent since the start of the millennium.
Linnet – One breeding pair up to 2008, recent status unknown.
Whitethroat – First recorded 2006 – there was two singing birds present and breeding was suspected during 2006 but not recorded since 2007.
Willow Warbler - usually 4 to 5 breeding pairs,
Other breeding birds on site are: Blackbird (3 to 4 pair), Wren, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Robin, Dunnock and Chaffinch.
Mammals:
Roe Deer (occasional visitor), Red Deer hind (June 2007 only), Red Fox, Rabbit, Mole, Grey Squirrel, Pipistrelle Bat.
Butterflies: (13 varieties)
Small Heath Butterfly (last week in June – plentiful)
Small Skipper (last week in June – plentiful)
Painted Lady, a couple of specimens recorded late June – August 25th 2003.
Red Admiral Butterfly – common
Small Tortoiseshell Butterfly – Last week in June – Common
Small Copper – July & August – odd specimens
Peacock Butterfly – May
Large White – May
Wall Brown – mid August – several records
Meadow Brown – plentiful
Orange Tip – May
Gatekeeper – Mid Aug – first recorded 2007 – rare at present
Speckled Wood.
Moths (62 varieties) (I am thankful to my friends Charles Payne and Arlene Harris who kindly help with the identifications, photographing and listings of the Moth species over several visits)
Chimney Sweeper Moth,
Cinnabar Moth,
The Snout,
Latticed Heath Moth,
Ghost Moth,
Swallowtailed Moth,
Smoky Wainscot,
Gold Spot,
Clouded Border,
Dark Arches,
Antler Moth,
Purple Bar,
Small Phoenix,
True Lover’s Knot,
Iron Prominent,
Mother Of Pearl,
Twin Spot Carpet,
Lesser Broad Bordered Yellow Underwing
Grey Dagger,
Common Rustic
Phoenix,
Small Phoenix,
Marbled Minor,
Large Yellow Underwing,
Lesser Yellow Underwing,
Autumnal Rustic,
Common Marbled Carpet,
Sallow,
Angle Shades,
Flame Carpet,
Rosy Rustic,
Square Spot Rustic,
Grey Pine Carpet,
Willow Beauty,
Rhopobota naevana,
Acleris emargana,
Ingrailed Clay,
Light Emerald,
Beautiful Golden Y
Brimstone,
Clouded Border Brindle,
Coxcomb Prominent,
Flame Shoulder,
Peach Blossom,
Small Magpie,
Straw Dot,
Flame,
Clouded Silver,
Peppered Moth,
Common White Wave,
Plain Golden Y,
Dusky Brocade,
Scoparia ambigualis,
Marbled Minor,
Marbled,
Heart and Dart,
Small Square Spot,
Silver-Ground Carpet,
Burnished Brass,
Dark Spectacle,
Crambus lathoniellus,
Swammerdamia pyrella,
Brown Spot Pinion,
Insects recorded at Top O’th’ SlateYellow Ophion,
St Mark’s Fly (Bibio marci)
St Mark’s Fly (Bibio pomonae)
Netalia testaceus,
Picromerus bidens,
Helophilus pendulus.
Common Leafhopper,
Cantharis Livida,
Dancing Fly (Empis tessalata),
Garden Spider (Araneus diadematus),
Rhagonycha fulva,
7 Spot Ladybird,
Black Bean Aphid,
Cidella Viridis (Turquoise Leafhopper),
Drone Fly,
Turquoise Weevil (Phyllobius pomaceus),
Blue Tailed Damselfly (Ischnura elegans)
Flora recorded at Top O’th Slate (105 species)Himalayan Balsam (prior to reclamation)
Pineapple Mayweed,
Bluebell (both English & Italian),
Butterbur,
Jacob’s Ladder,
Bloody Cranesbill,
Herb Robert,
LESSER PERIWINKLE,
Lesser Celandine,
Birdsfoot Trefoil,
Common Spotted Orchid,
Lady’s Mantle,
Perennial Cornflower,
Cowslip (prior to reclamation)
Foxglove,
Columbine,
Ragged Robin,
Yellow Irish,
Ragwort,
Wild Raspberry,
Tufted Vetch,
Woolly Thistle,
Yellow Loostrife,
Daisy,
Dandelion,
Buttercup.
Hawthorn,
Harebell,
Water Forget Me Not
Yellow Poppy (Welsh),
Yellow Vetch,
Common Poppy,
Wild Daffodil,
Autumn Gentian,
Bistort,
Black Knapweed
Bridewort (Spiraea salicifolia),
Meadow Cranesbill,
Broom,
Changing Forgetmenot,
Chicory (Introduced 2007),
Common Comfrey,
Common Nettle,
Common Scurvygrass,
Creeping Buttercup,
Corn Marigold,
Creeping Thistle,
Crocus (escape and since 2007) A Yellow Variety and also a White Variety.
Dotted Loostrife,
Dropwort,
Cuckoo Flower,
Field Pansy (Introduced since 2007)
Feverfew,
Garlic Mustard,
Gorse,
Greater Burdock,
Hairy Bittercress,
Heather,
Hedge Bindweed,
Hedge Woundwort,
Herb Robert,
Hogweed,
Ivy,
Jacobs Ladder (prior to 2007) not seen since
Japanese Knotweed,
Knotgrass,
Ladys Mantle,
Large Bittercress,
Large Flowered Evening Primrose (Introduced 2007),
Lesser Trefoil,
Meadowsweet (introduced 2007),
Montbretia,
Orange Poppy, (introduced 2007),
Wild Pansy (introduced 2007 with disturbed soils),
Procumbent Pearlwort,
Prickly Sow Thistle,
Privet Bush,
Red Bartsia,
Red Campion,
Redshank,
Ribbed Melilot,
Rosebay Willowherb,
Scented Mayweed,
Self Heal,
Sneezewort,
Sorrell,
Sticky Mouse Ear,
Thyme-leaved Speedwell,
Tormentil,
Vipers Bugloss (Introduced 2007),
Weld (Introduced 2007),
White Campion (Introduced 2007),
White Clover,
Wild Turnip,
Woolley Thistle
Columbine (Red) spread with disturbed soil prior 2007
Columbine (Pink) spread with disturbed soil prior 2007
Columbine (Lilac) spread with disturbed soil prior 2007,
Yarrow,
Great Willowherb,
Broad Leaved Willowherb,
Meadow Foam,
Teasel (Introduced 2007),
Water Horsetail.
And here is a poem composed by the late Haslingden's Major David Halstead titled "Billy Suets Song" and does have connections to the Haslingden Top O'th Slate:
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Bodle un Mischief un Poncake un me
One Setthurday mornin’ went out for a spree;
Four lasses we met uz were goin’ up th’ Slate-
Thur wur Sarah un Mary un Martha un Kate.
They lived wi’ the’r feyther up on th’ Cribden Side,
He’d work’d up o’ th’ farm whol the’r shuttle they plied,
“They’s all hev the’r looms,” th’ owd feyther said,
“When they leave Cribden Side for to goo un get wed.”
Well, aw needed a loom, un aw needed a wife,
For aw’d getten reifth stauled ov a bachelor’s life;
Un Mischief un Bodle un Poncake all said
They’d bin long enough single – they’d goo un get wed.
“Well, Sarah,” aw sed, “aw’m beawn to ha’ thee”;
“Aw’m too fond o’ Mischief,” sed Sarah to me,
“Un aw’m promis’t a good pair o’ looms when aw wed” –
“By gum, Sal, aw’ll tak’ un un thee,” Mischief sed.
Well, then aw axed Martha if hoo’d cooart wi me –
“When tha hesn’d a Bodle to bless thisel wi!” –
Soa Bodle took this uz a hint to propose;
An’ a foine pair o’ looms un Martha aw lose.
Soa Mary un Kate were soon left by thersel,
One day we see’d Kate fotchin’ wayter fro’ th’ well,
Then Poncake un me booath together did strike:
“Aw ne’er cared for Suet, but Poncake aw like!”
Well, Moll un her looms they wur booath still to let,
Un id worn’d very long afore Mary aw met;
Aw wor twistin’ a warp in th’ owd spinnin’ rooms;
Neaw aw’ve getten th’ feawst lass un th’ wo’st pair o’ looms.
This poem/song was performed by a great late friend of mine from the 60s Harry Boardman of Middleton and he included it on the Compilation album "Owdham Edge"...
If you wish to check out further nature information please go to the Top O'Th Slate Nature Site by clicking here
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