Using Knowle Syke Bridge stones to create a local amenity

This picture of the waterfall below the bridge would be familiar to Mountain View Holiday Farm guests

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The bridge on Knowl Syke Street (formerly Knowle Syke Street), Wardle, was recently closed for repairs.

Wardle and Smallbridge History Group have researched the high-rise bridge’s history, and that of the earlier ford through the stream, and are liaising with other local groups to discuss possible ideas for reusing the large stones which formed the bridge to provide a local amenity.

In the early twentieth century, the nearby Whittaker Mill was home to the Mountain View Holiday Farm; all food was vegetarian, board and residence was only fifteen shillings per week and in their own words “although no attempt will be made to imitate the attentions of fashionable boarding establishments, the matrons will do all in their power to make everyone comfortable and happy...”.

They spoke of `a rushing mountain stream passing through the meadows, on the banks of which many meditative hours may be spent, within sight and sound of the dashing little waterfalls`.

In the mid 1970’s, Lancashire Life magazine chose Wardle as the subject in their series `Discovering Lancashire`.

The photograph of Whittaker’s Mill, 1976, shows that it was still recognisable as having been a working mill with the loading doors to the three floors. A few of the small paned windows remained in the top storey and are possibly contemporary with the 1815 origin of the building.