Stacksteads
| Stacksteads | |
| Lancashire | |
|---|---|
 Stacksteads | |
| Location | |
| Location: | 53°41’34"N, 2°13’14"W |
| Data | |
| Post town: | Bacup |
| Postcode: | OL13 |
| Dialling code: | 01706 |
| Local Government | |
| Council: | Rossendale |
| Parliamentary constituency: |
Rossendale and Darwen |
Stacksteads is a village on the River Irwell between the towns of Bacup and Waterfoot in Lancashire. Within the parish is a quarry called Lee Quarry which has also been transformed into a mountain bike trail.
History
In the 19th century Stacksteads had several cotton mills lining the banks of the River Irwell. These expanded after the ending of the 'Cotton Drought' caused by the American Civil War. During the 1870s agricultural labourers moved here from across the British Isles, including many from East Anglia, to drive this expansion.
During the 20th century, as the cotton trade decreased in the face of overseas manufacture, some of the mills were adapted to more modern purposes such as footwear - notably the Bacup Shoe company in the former Stacksteads Mill. In the 1980s, the village featured in a number of episodes of the long running BBC drama - Juliet Bravo - set in a fictional part of the Rossendale Valley between Rawtenstall and Bacup. It was also the location for the filming of Laurence Olivier Presents: Hindle Wakes, a 1976 version of the famous play, directed by Laurence Olivier.
Society and events
The World Gravy Wrestling Championship is held each year at the Rose N Bowl pub in Stacksteads.[1]
Stacksteads is home to the Kimberley Club, formed in 1897 as a drinking club for quarry workers. Still going strong but hard to find in the hills above Stacksteads. Lit and warmed by gas (no electricity) and selling real ale direct from the barrel.
From 1903 until 2011 Stacksteads Cricket Club played on Waterbarn Recreation Ground adjacent to Waterbarn Baptist Church. The Club moved to New Hall Hey cricket ground in Rawtenstall after difficulties with the landlord who also owns the Type 2 listed Waterbarn Baptist Chapel on Brandwood Road built in 1847.
Outside links
 |
("Wikimedia Commons" has material about Stacksteads) |
References
- ↑ 'Gravy Wrestling Championships 2015: Charity boss crowned winner of bank holiday tradition' - Manchester Evening News 31 August 2015