Old Courtaulds sign

This walk has covered only a small part of the Kirklees Valley. You may wish to explore the area further.

On the site of the old Kirklees Bleachworks (see map at area marked Kirklees), a new housing estate is being built.

Mills stood in this area as far back at the late 18th century. Courtaulds took over the site in 1962 and some of their signs can still be seen along the paths. The factory, which was then a dyehouse, finally closed in 1980.

There is an interesting story associated with the Bleachworks. In 1884, a French chemist, the Comte de Chardonnay, moved to Tottington to work on a cellulose-based fabric that became known as "Chardonnay silk". It was an attractive cloth, but like celluloid it was very flammable. Eventually, following numerous accidents, it was taken off the market.

Also worth a look is Brandlesholme Old Hall (marked on map as Moss Farm). This is one of the oldest buildings in Borough and dates from the 13th century. It is a Grade II listed building.

The disused railway line can also be followed south from the starting point of this walk. This takes you further along the Kirklees Valley to Garside Hey (see map).

Finally, if you are planning to explore more of the area and seek out some of the industrial archaeology, extreme care is needed as the area is littered with overgrown foundations and hidden mill ponds.

Credits
BBC Manchester would like to thank the following for their help and support in the creation of this walk:
Dr. Fred Broadhurst - retired geologist from Manchester University
Dave Dutton - Bury Metro
John Leatherbarrow - Bury Metro
Chris Wilkinson - Bury Metro
Dr Michael Dobson from the Dept. of Environmental & Geographical Sciences at MMU
Terry Ashworth - Tottington Civic Society
Open University Consultant - Dr. Dick Morris.