Ponthalgh, Plowtalgh, Powtehalgh in church kirk

Accyexplorer · 17-01-2014, 13:12

I've a keen interest in the history and documentation of period buildings. Our industrial and historical heritage is fast disappearing under the pressure of regeneration, the need for new housing. I aim to document some these places through text and photographs before they disappear.
This building is steeped in history and has quite a few stories to tell. shame its not being looked after.I think it maybe listed under Lancashire heritage

HISTORY:
Roger Rishton was living here in 1474, he was outlawed during the War of the Roses, Another Roger Rishton carried on a long and deadly feudwith other branches of the family and broke down the image of St Oswald in Church Kirk and the newly placed pews there. Several affrays took place and he was slain by Sir Thomas Talbot during the fight in a neighbouring homestead.The farm may also be referred to as Ponthalgh, Plowtalgh, Powtehalgh, and later Park Farm. This homestead is mainly associated with the Rishton family who occupied the homestead from the 15th to 17th century. The Rishtons finally left Ponthalgh for Preston, as a result of supporting the King during the English Civil War. In 1659 Ponthalgh was sold to the Walmesley's.

ENJOY

Turtle · 17-01-2014, 14:02

Great shots, and nice to have some history too. So often I've passed derelict buildings and wished I could get inside. You've done it, and lived to tell the tale. Thanks for sharing!

Bob Dobson · 17-01-2014, 14:51

Retlaw will be able to come up with references to these early names at certain times. This building doesn't look all that old - early 1800-s, no earlier.

Margaret Pilkington · 17-01-2014, 16:32

If only bricks could talk!

I often think that when I am in very old buildings......(OK - I know I'm puddled)

Accyexplorer · 17-01-2014, 16:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Dobson

Retlaw will be able to come up with references to these early names at certain times. This building doesn't look all that old - early 1800-s, no earlier.

It gets a mention on here but retlaw states he doesn't know much history about church Kirk.

http://www.accringtonweb.com/forum/f...y-44731-3.html

Accyexplorer · 17-01-2014, 16:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Turtle

Great shots, and nice to have some history too. So often I've passed derelict buildings and wished I could get inside. You've done it, and lived to tell the tale. Thanks for sharing!

Feel free to list some,I may of been in some of them an I can upload the pics for you.

Bob Dobson · 17-01-2014, 20:51

Ainsworth's book 'Old Homesteads of Accrington & District' tells that this started off as one of the Rishton family's homes...'it has suffered the obliteration of all its ancient features....only one window shows traces of old mullions' The family seems to have started c 1245 in Rishton. Fascinating family stories. The farm passed into the hands of the Walmsleys. One photo + 11pages. Clearly my observation (above) as to the dating of the building seems to refer to the re-building rather than the original.

Turtle · 18-01-2014, 13:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Accyexplorer

Feel free to list some,I may of been in some of them an I can upload the pics for you.

Thank you, that's a kind offer. I'm living across the pond now, but I used to live in Rothwell House (the old detached house down in the valley of Priestley Clough, directly below Rothwell Mill Farm). Also in Heights Cottages, next to Lower Withams Farm up Sandy Lane. I believe these are still inhabited, but if you know anything of the age of the buildings, or the history, that would be most welcome.

Accyexplorer · 18-01-2014, 17:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Turtle

Thank you, that's a kind offer. I'm living across the pond now, but I used to live in Rothwell House (the old detached house down in the valley of Priestley Clough, directly below Rothwell Mill Farm). Also in Heights Cottages, next to Lower Withams Farm up Sandy Lane. I believe these are still inhabited, but if you know anything of the age of the buildings, or the history, that would be most welcome.

Sorry I cant help you with these as i only know whats available via the www.
Perhaps Retlaw can help (or Bob Dobson has a book ).

I walked my dog up Priestley Clough the other day (I've not been up that way since i was a kid).I spoke to a (unhappy) local tho who said the present occupier of Rothwell House was in a battle with the council over the land.It seems that he/she has torn down trees/walls to make the path wider so they can get a static holiday home down there

Accyexplorer · 18-01-2014, 17:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Dobson

Ainsworth's book 'Old Homesteads of Accrington & District' tells that this started off as one of the Rishton family's homes...'it has suffered the obliteration of all its ancient features....only one window shows traces of old mullions' The family seems to have started c 1245 in Rishton. Fascinating family stories. The farm passed into the hands of the Walmsleys. One photo + 11pages. Clearly my observation (above) as to the dating of the building seems to refer to the re-building rather than the original.

Thanks for the history Bob. I've pics of the window that shows the old mullions but i'm clueless as to how to upload them from my photobucket to here in a format that meets the criteria

gpick24 · 18-01-2014, 18:06

Not sure if we are allowed to link directly to photobucket, don`t remember seeing anything in the rules though, but you can download your pic from photobucket to your PC, then resize etc. and attach as normal.

Accyexplorer · 18-01-2014, 18:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by gpick24

Not sure if we are allowed to link directly to photobucket, don`t remember seeing anything in the rules though, but you can download your pic from photobucket to your PC, then resize etc. and attach as normal.

I can assure you (from my deleted thread) we are not,although i don't remember seeing anything in the rules either

Thanks i'm looking into uploading thumbnails.

Bob Dobson · 18-01-2014, 19:38

There's nowt in Old Homesteads about Rothwell Heights. Likely summat in Mike Rothwell's book on Accrington's industrial heritage. Am out of time at present.

gpick24 · 18-01-2014, 20:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Accyexplorer

I can assure you (from my deleted thread) we are not,although i don't remember seeing anything in the rules either.

I`m only guessing, but maybe the reason is if sometime in future you delete the photos from photobucket, or if your account with them gets closed for some reason, the thread is then missing pictures. Best bet is to just upload as an attachment.

Accyexplorer · 18-01-2014, 22:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by gpick24

I`m only guessing, but maybe the reason is if sometime in future you delete the photos from photobucket, or if your account with them gets closed for some reason, the thread is then missing pictures. Best bet is to just upload as an attachment.

Sounds about right,think I've got the hang of it now