When you walk along the road to Wycoller from Winewall, you are
gradually removed from the harsh reality of North East Lancashire and walk into
the land of the Bronte family. It is mysterious, atmospheric, sometimes scary
but always a place which communicates with your inner self. Well, it does for
me, anyway!
Firstly, some B & W pics from the '60's
I have found some more pictures of
Wycoller which I am currently scanning into my computer. They will
appear below in due course.
Great web site Mike. Especially
liked the monochrome pics of Wycoller.
I travelled through there many
years ago and was fascinated by the strange keyhole shaped aperture
next to the fireplace.
I wonder if you or any
"browsers" could explain its purpose?
Much obliged, keep up the good
work.
Dave
Hello Mike
I lived in
Wycoller for about 20years. Firstly at Copy House which is on the
hillside towards Raven Rock farm. Then in 1984 moved to Wycoller
Cottage which is the one directly opposite the pack horse bridge. We
stayed there until 1999. I used to sell tea etc in the garden in
summer, and also plants from the garden, and also run a B&B
business. It was a lovely place to live, but we decided to move to
something a bit smaller and a much easier garden than the 1/3 acre
on a hill that we had.
Wycoller
Cottage was built prior to 1640 and was a superb house with plenty
of character. It was very large having 5bedrooms,3 bathrooms, and a
lounge of about 24 sq ft.
Margaret
Houlker
I love snow scenes taken on monochrome film, this
also in Wycoller.
Wycoller, a village of many bridges across the 'beck'
which eventually flows into the Ribble via Colne Water.
The old packhorse bridge which was the main trade route
between Lancashire and Yorkshire in the early days of home weaving.
Another view of the packhorse
bridge.
Wycoller Hall on the left. Said to be the inspiration for
Ferndean Manor in Jane Eyre. After all, the Bronte country is but a stones
throw away!
This is the only road connecting Wycoller
with the outside world nowadays. There are many paths and tracks to be
explored, however.
The Packhorse
Bridge with the Clapper Bridge in the background. Photographed in winter in the 1960's.
(David Gott)
The packhorse bridge seen from the other side. It linked the weavers
of Lancashire with the wool merchants of Yorkshire in the long trail made
by tradesmen between the two counties.
...and from the same point as above in 2000
The stone slabs of the bridge worn down by
hooves and feet alike over the last 250 years.
A path leads into the Hall.
As you approach Wycoller, whether by road or
footpath, you can't help but notice the wild silhouettes of the weather-beaten
trees against the sky.
Mossy walls are a reminder of the high
rainfall of this part of Lancashire.
As a child, I remember the occupants of this
building used to sell bottles of 'pop' and ice cream in summer.
This is the ford through the 'beck', a tributary of the
River Colne.
