Todmorden in a Nutshell

Set in the Upper Calder Valley, Todmorden is a town steeped in history, surrounded by striking landscapes, and bustling with community spirit. It’s a place where each corner has a story, offering a window into the soul of Yorkshire for curious explorers.

Todmorden in a Nutshell

Positioned on the cusp of the watershed of the Pennines, where Yorkshire meets Lancashire, Todmorden is celebrated for its breathtaking views and strong community vibe. Transitioning from an industrial past, it now thrives as a center for innovation and sustainability. Here, visitors find a town that respects its architectural history while embracing forward-thinking community projects, providing a dynamic blend of old and new for those venturing through the English countryside.

History of Todmorden

Tracing its roots back to the 11th century, Todmorden’s growth was significantly influenced by the industrial revolution.

During medieval times, Todmorden was not a concentrated settlement but rather a collection of dispersed farms and remote hilltop communities, interconnected by packhorse trails marked with ancient stones, many of which remain today.

For centuries, the local streams fuelled the mills for corn and cloth fulling, propelling Todmorden toward prosperity through a blend of agriculture and woollen textile production. Affluent clothiers erected grand homes, with some still standing as testaments to this era. However, a shift toward cotton emerged, influenced by proximity to Manchester for supplies and trade and powered by the robust Pennine waters for machine looms. Innovations in textile technology and improved road infrastructure in the late 18th century catalysed the cotton industry’s growth and boosted the population.

By 1801, Todmorden was essentially a large village, with most residents in higher elevations. Yet, between 1800 and 1845, transformative transport and communication advancements like enhanced roads, the Rochdale Canal, and the Manchester and Leeds Railway, later the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway, spurred industrial expansion. This period saw the creation of the Summit Tunnel, an engineering marvel of its time, and the establishment of additional rail lines to Burnley and the vital “Todmorden Triangle,” enabling seamless train travel in multiple directions, vitalising the town’s economic landscape.

The town’s landscape quickly became dotted with smokestacks and mill buildings, epitomising the era’s industrial zeal. This period marked a significant population increase, drawing workers from near and far to its thriving mills.

Yet, Todmorden’s history isn’t solely defined by its industrial achievements. The town was also a cradle of innovation and forward-thinking. It was here that John Fielden, a prominent mill owner and social reformer, championed the Ten Hours Act, reducing the working day for children and women in mills, setting a precedent that would resonate across the nation.

The architectural legacy of Todmorden’s industrial heyday is still visible today, particularly in the majestic Town Hall, a symbol of the town’s prosperity and architectural ambition during the Victorian era. This grand edifice, straddling the historic county boundary between Yorkshire and Lancashire, embodies the town’s rich heritage and its residents’ pride.

Post-industrialisation, Todmorden faced the challenges of deindustrialization, yet it adapted, embracing a new identity as a hub for community-led initiatives and sustainable living. The town’s resilience is mirrored in its vibrant community, which has pioneered projects like Incredible Edible Todmorden, transforming unused spaces into communal vegetable patches and fostering a spirit of self-sufficiency.

Through centuries of change, from its industrial rise to its contemporary reinvention, Todmorden has retained a unique character, shaped by its industrial roots, its natural beauty, and the enduring strength of its community. The town’s history is not just a chronicle of buildings and industries; it’s a testament to the enduring spirit of its people and their ability to adapt and thrive in the face of change.

Unusual Facts and Trivia about Todmorden

  • Todmorden is home to the world’s first urban community farming project, Incredible Edible Todmorden, which has transformed the town’s public spaces into edible landscapes (website).
  • The town has a unique claim to fame as the “Pennine Centre for UFO sightings,” drawing enthusiasts and researchers intrigued by extraterrestrial phenomena.
  • Todmorden was situated in both Yorkshire and Lancashire until 1888, when the boundary switched from the rivers Calder and Walsden Water to the watershed. The town is now officially firmly in West Yorkshire and before the county was first formed in 1974 it was in West Riding of Yorkshire.

Interesting Architecture in Todmorden

  • Todmorden Town Hall, is a stunning example of neoclassical architecture. The building was briefly in both Yorkshire and Lancashire. Walsden Water, one of the historic boundaries, runs beneath the building and the pediment still bears the names of both counties. 
  • The Unitarian Church, a Grade I listed building, reflects the town’s religious and architectural diversity, boasting impressive Gothic Revival style.
  • The Stoodley Pike monument, standing tall on the moors near Todmorden, offers panoramic views and a glimpse into local history (website).
  • Hardcastle Crags, a wooded Pennine valley close to Todmorden, is ideal for nature lovers with its beautiful trails and the 19th century Gibson Mill, a former cotton mill that’ being totally off the grid has become a model of sustainability. It houses a café and regular exhibitions (website).

Todmorden Celebrity Connections

Famous People Born or Raised in Todmorden:

  • John Cockcroft, a Nobel Prize-winning physicist, was born in Todmorden, highlighting the town’s contribution to global scientific achievements.
  • Dicken Ashworth, an esteemed actor, hails from Todmorden, adding to the town’s artistic legacy.
  • Samuel Fielden, a Todmorden-born Methodist pastor and labor activist, became notable for his involvement in the 1886 Haymarket Affair in the USA.
  • William Holt, a writer and artist, spent his formative years in Todmorden, drawing inspiration from the town’s environment.
  • Herbert Lomas, a poet known for his lyrical prowess, was born and raised in Todmorden.
  • John Mitchell Nuttall, the physicist who contributed to the Geiger–Nuttall law.
  • Sir Geoffrey Wilkinson, a Nobel laureate chemist who pioneered inorganic chemistry and homogeneous transition metal catalysis, was another brilliant mind born in Todmorden.

Famous Musicians/Bands From Todmorden:

  • Keith Emerson, the legendary keyboardist and composer best known for his work with Emerson Lake and Palmer, started his musical journey in Todmorden.
  • John Helliwell, renowned for his role in Supertramp, was born in Todmorden.
  • Geoffrey Love, celebrated for his film theme compositions and arrangements, hails from Todmorden.

Famous Films or TV Shows Filmed in Todmorden:

  • Catch Me Daddy (2014) is one of the notable films shot in the scenic locales of Todmorden.
  • Happy Valley, the acclaimed BBC series, features Todmorden’s landscapes prominently.
  • The Jetty (2024) adds to the list of films capturing Todmorden’s essence.
  • Juliet Bravo, a classic BBC series, had scenes filmed in Todmorden.
  • My Summer of Love (2004) showcased Todmorden’s picturesque settings.
  • Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit, the BBC adaptation, was filmed in and around Todmorden.
  • Passenger (ITV) included Todmorden in its filming locations.
  • The Rochdale Pioneers (2012) utilized Todmorden’s historical backdrop.
  • Sparkhouse (BBC) featured Todmorden’s rugged and beautiful countryside.

Todmorden Environs: What’s Nearby in the Surrounding Area

Hebden Bridge – 5 miles
Known for its vibrant arts scene, unique shops, and picturesque setting, Hebden Bridge offers a charming and creative atmosphere, making it a perfect destination for those seeking inspiration and a touch of bohemian flair. Find out more with our Hebden Bridge visitors guide.

Halifax – 12 miles
With attractions like the Piece Hall, Shibden Hall, and Eureka! The National Children’s Museum, Halifax boasts an impressive industrial heritage offering a deep dive into history, culture, and family fun. Find out more with our Halifax visitors guide.

Haworth – 13 miles
Famous for its association with the Brontë sisters, Haworth provides a step back in time with its historic cobbled main street, the Brontë Parsonage Museum, and surrounding moorland, appealing to literature fans and history enthusiasts. Find out more with our Haworth visitors guide.

Huddersfield – 18 miles
With its grand Victorian architecture, rich cultural heritage, and beautiful surrounding countryside, Huddersfield offers a diverse urban experience, making it ideal for those looking to explore a town with a strong sense of identity and history. Find out more with our Huddersfield visitors guide.

Todmorden is more than just a town; it’s a community brimming with stories, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re exploring its historical sites, enjoying the local arts scene, or wandering in the breathtaking landscapes that envelop the town, Todmorden offers an enchanting escape into a world where history and modernity coalesce beautifully.