Hoddlesden And Its Satellite Villages
By Roy Parker, Published by Scotforth Books (2012)
Hardback £14.99 ISBN: 978 1 904244-84-4

This is a unique book that explores the remarkable survival of Hoddlesden, Blacksnape, Eccleshill and Yate & Pickup Bank in North East Lancashire. Their locations were originally wild, barren and very sparsely populated. The villages flourished and grew, until well into the 19th century, when the introduction of power looms caused the weavers to leave as they sought work in the developing urban centres. In this book Dr Roy Parker traces the developments of these villages for their beginnings as tiny settlement right up to the modern day. He explains the how the impact of the cotton mills affected their growth. He explores how the communities had to find new ways to earn a living. He discusses their struggles for survival and thus he reveals much about the people of the area and their families. The book is based on Dr Parkers PhD thesis and as such is packed with a great deal of information which has been drawn from a wide range of primary and secondary sources. By the meticulously use of parish registers, census returns and other source he has been able to portray all aspects of life This has much to offer the family historian who wishes to develop an insight into a local community. The book is well illustrated

Copies can be purchased from Darwen and Blackburn Libraries and other outlets or directly from Dr Roy Parker. For postage and package rates contact Dr Parker Tel: 01204-64424 or Email: royparker@talktalk.net.

Tony Foster

Rating: [4 of 5 Stars!]