A guided walk around Helmshore

On Sunday 10th September, we organised a guided tour around Helmshore in conjunction with Helmshore Textile Museum. This was organised as part of the National Heritage Weekend Celebrations. The weather for the day was kind, and 7 of us set off from the mill for a leisurely walk along the pavements of Helmshore, along with our guide Andrea who provide fascinating insights about the history of the village.

The walk included visits to

• the Power Loom building which was the scene of rioting by local cottage weavers who were afraid of the introduction of mechanisation.

• St Thomas’s Church, where the body of William Turner is buried. William owned several mills in Helmshore, formerly Musbury, including Helmshore Textile Museum. He was responsible for the building of the Church, as well as schools and housing for his workers. He also owned the Turner’s Arms, now renamed as the Station.

• After viewing the old Station Signal box, now converted into a house, we learned all about the great railway disaster of Helmshore in 1860, which killed 10 people and injured a further 77.

• The last leg of the walk involved a visit to see William Turner’s House, Flax Moss and a walk down Gregory Fold which affords a great view of Musbury Tor.

On arriving back at the museum, there was a really good exhibition of the history of Helmshore, and even a fantastic model railway of the old station in Helmshore.

All in all a fascinating insight into the history of Helmshore. Everyone said that they really enjoyed it. Special thanks to Andrea for her very informative narrative.

We will be looking to organise more walks in 2024 so please check our website and Facebook page.