Edenfield

infobox UK place
country = England
official_name= Edenfield
latitude= 53.662804
longitude= -2.309512
population= 2,080 (2001 Census)
shire_district= Rossendale
shire_county= Lancashire
region= North West England
constituency_westminster= Rossendale and Darwen
post_town= BURY
postcode_area= BL
postcode_district= BL0
dial_code= 01706
os_grid_reference= SD795185
london_distance= 175.2 miles (282.6 km) SSE
static_

static_image_caption=A view over Edenfield towards Scout Moor

Edenfield is a village within the Rossendale borough of Lancashire, England. Lying on the River Irwell, it is around convert|1.25|mi|km|1|lk=on north of Ramsbottom and convert|2.5|mi|km|1 south of Rawtenstall, and has a total population of 2,080. [cite web |url=http://www.lancashire.gov.uk/office_of_the_chief_executive/lancashireprofile/monitors/populationurban.asp |title=Population of Lancashire Urban Areas 2001 |author=Lancashire County Council |accessdate=2007-06-12 ]

Edenfield village centre lies at the intersection of three A roads; the A676 from Bolton, the A680 from Accrington and Rochdale and the A56 from Rawtenstall and Bury. The M66 motorway terminates its course at Edenfield.

The village has recently seen growth as a commuter settlement for the Greater Manchester and East Lancashire areas of the North West.

History

Like other villages in Rossendale, Edenfield has an industrial past and some quarrying activities still continue.

Governance

Since 1974, Edenfield has formed part of the Rossendale borough of Lancashire, having previously formed part of the urban district of Ramsbottom, in the administrative county boundaries of Lancashire. [cite web |url=http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/unit_page.jsp?u_id=10003180 |title=A vision of Haslingden MB |author=A vision of Britain through time |accessdate=2007-12-06]

Those wanting to know more might try 'A History of Edenfield and District' by John Simpson / Edenfield Local History Society, published in 2003 (ISBN-13: 9780951666913 ISBN: 0951666916).

Geography

Edenfield lies on the course of the River Irwell, within the Rossendale valley. The landscape of the area is dominated by Dearden Moor and Scout Moor directly to the east and Holcombe Moor with the Peel Monument, across the valley of the River Irwell to the west. The M66 motorway terminates its course at Edenfield.

Economy

The village's main thoroughfare is Market Street, along which occurs mostly late 19th century terraced housing and a number of shops.

The number and type of shops in the village has varied over recent years, with an overall decline due to the increased mobility of the population and competition from nearby supermarkets, but mainstays have been an independent baker, butcher, pharmacy, newsagent and fish-and-chip shop.

There are also three public houses - "The Rostron Arms", "The Horse and Jockey" and the "Coach and Horses/Three Sisters".

Landmarks

The Parish Church is a simple but elegant 18th century building unusual in that it takes its name from the village rather than being dedicated to a particular saint.

Present day

The area is popular with walkers and hikers, many stopping to see .

Another popular walk is Dearden Clough to 'Plunge' - the ruined site of "Plunge Mill", where there is an imposing pit wheel housing for a waterwheel. One approach to the Clough is from "Michael Wife Lane", named after Mary Nuttall, wife of Michael Nuttall, who was fined in 1618 for not maintaining the road and, finally, put in the stocks in 1624 for still not carrying out this work.

The village is home to Edenfield Cricket Club. There is also a recreation ground on Exchange Street which is used by a number of football teams of varying ages. Alongside is Edenfield Community Centre serving a number of uses for different interest groups.

References

External links

* [http://www.genuki.org.uk/big/eng/LAN/Edenfield/ Edenfield] GENUKI entry.