New book to be published in memory of the late Alan Petford

Alan Petford

Reporter: Stuart Littleford

This spring a new book will be published in memory of the late Alan Petford.

‘History in the South Pennines: the Legacy of Alan Petford’ will examine a thousand years of life in the upland communities of Saddleworth, Marsden and the Calder Valley.

Alan, a distinguished historian and much admired local history lecturer, died in 2015.

He was a former student of Hulme Grammar and a founder member of the Saddleworth Historical Society. Having held teaching posts at Blackburn, Hipperholme and Lancaster Grammar Schools, he later became a regular lecturer for the Workers’ Educational Association, inspiring countless students from Saddleworth and beyond.

‘History in the South Pennines’ is a collection of essays written by the students Alan helped to discover local history. They examine subjects he was particularly interested in, including the landscape, architecture and the textile industry.

Three essays are dedicated to Saddleworth, investigating the development of settlement in Saddleworth during the middle ages, the early linen industry, and Samuel Bottomley’s Greenfield, an eighteenth-century poem telling the tale of two mountain-dwelling giants, Alder and Alphin, and the nymph, Rimmon.

Those who subscribe before the 15 March will have their names printed in the book and will be able to purchase it for the discounted price of £20.

To subscribe contact David Harrison: david@djwharrison.plus.com or 01457 875855.

For more details see www.hebdenbridgehistory.org.uk/publications/index.html

Author: Jude Gidney - Editor

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