[Darren Woodhead]

Regarding Shoe Mill and Rothwell Mill, does anyone have any information on Elizabeth Fairley, who penned this fab poem on Priestley Clough, It will no doubt strike a cord with many and I am hoping it will be included in my forthcoming book entitled, Baxenden, Rising Bridge and Stonefold. (Please check out my website lancashirebooks.co.uk)



Priestley Clough



I have known this place since childhood,

Have loved each spreading tree,

And the meandering brook which flows

Babbling and fancy free.

On happy, carefree, summer days,

Sun dappled paths I tread,

And listen to the choir of birds

In the branches overhead.



I cross the bridge and rest a while,

On the stones of a ruined mill;

Then refreshed and eager,

Commence to climb the hill.

The faint roar of the waterfall

Is music to my ears,

I used to walk across it

In my childhood years.



Through the gate by the railway bridge,

I enter the upper clough,

The trees here grow more thickly;

The grass is coarse and rough.

Under the Briar rose trees

The bluebells bloom in Spring,

And make an exquisite picture

That’s a joy remembering.



I hear the children laughing,

As they paddle in the stream;

Everything is wonderful!

And seems just like a dream.

Let others go to Westward Ho,

Or lands beyond the sea,

But in Priestley Clough, on a summer day,

That’s where I’d rather be!