Welcome to The Briercliffe Society Forum

Hi
I have just recently acquired Catlow Bottoms (now called Stepping stone cottage) and want to set about finding more of its history.
I have some info re dates/ owners etc from the 1950s from the deeds etc and an original deed of 1903. However the 2 buildings there obviously pre date that time- perhaps to the 17th Century, so wondered what /where I may find further info?.
Incidentally one of the buildings (now a garage and at one time the home of Pendelfin) is shown in the photo on your site under 'men at catlow bottoms'
Would it be possible to get a higher res version of this photo please?

Thanks for any help

Andrew Wilkinson

Hi Andrew
Welcome to the site.
I'll have a look in my copy of Roger Frosts book to see what, if anything, he says about your property.
As for the photo, I'll email you a copy tomorrow.

_________________
Mel

Searching for lost relatives? Win the Lottery!

Hi Andrew, your best bet is Roger Frost, if he cannot answer your questions he will know where to find it out.

_________________
Gloria

I'd be dangerous with a brain.

Thanks for the replies.
I'll await any details you have from Roger Frost's book, which is I presume - 'A Lancashire Township' his history of Briercliffe and Extwistle. I will perhaps try to see if the library has a copy available.

As for Roger Frost, is he still actively researching this area/looking for more info? Is he contactable?

I also know that they used to sell drinks etc from Catlow Bottoms perhaps ~40ys ago

Roger is still researching and is contactable. He'll be in the phone book I think.

You are correct about the book, the library will have a copy. Catlow is mentioned on a few pages but in reference to other topics...like mining. There isn't anything really descriptive. Underneath a picture of Catlow Bottoms it says "There ysed to be at least 5 cottages here but only 'Stepping Stones' now remains.

_________________
Mel

Searching for lost relatives? Win the Lottery!

I've just had another look and there is nothing that I can see that refers to the actual properties...just the area 'Catlow Bottoms'.

_________________
Mel

Searching for lost relatives? Win the Lottery!

When you go to the library try to get hold of The History of Marsden and Nelson by W. Bennett, it has many references to Catlow.

_________________
Gloria

I'd be dangerous with a brain.

I had a look through that book and several others by W Bennett, inc the Burnley editions and although there were references to the Sagar family at Catlow farm(s), I couldn't find reference to the cottages etc.

From the deeds the earliest ref we have is the transfer of the farm estate (Foulds house fm I think) inc the land/buildings in a will ~1908 to his dependants & their subsequent disposal etc and the subsequent sales, planning permission/ alterations etc to end up with what is there now. I would assume therefore that the cottages were built on the estate/fm for workers and as such paperwork re their erection may well not exist? Is that a likely scenario?
Where would one look for records say to Foulds house farm?

I'm not sure Andy. I'd advise a call to Roger. I'm sure he'd be interested.

_________________
Mel

Searching for lost relatives? Win the Lottery!

I agree Mel, if Roger doesn't know no one will.

_________________
Gloria

I'd be dangerous with a brain.

Is that Roger Frost the Councillor for Briercliffe?

It certainly is. He has a vast knowledge of Briercliffe.

_________________
Mel

Searching for lost relatives? Win the Lottery!

Have fired off an email..... will await the response

You'd probably be better getting on the phone, Roger does not do computers. You could wait ages for a reply.

_________________
Gloria

I'd be dangerous with a brain.

I'll bear that in mind.

I found his number.