Todmorden News

Recreating Todmorden's past

Visitors to Centre Vale Park in Todmorden can now learn more about its rich history. Calderdale Council’s park staff have been recreating the footprint of the Victorian mansion which once stood in the park. Low walls have been put in at strategic points and an interpretation sign is being installed to show the floor plan of former Centre Vale House.

The historic building and surrounding parkland was once home to Tormorden’s most famous son, John Fielden MP. He was famous for introducing the ten hours act which limited the working day for women and young people.

John Fielden bought the Centre Vale estate in 1842 from local cotton mill owner, Thomas Ramsbottom. In the early 1900s the estate was given to Todmorden Borough Council and it opened as a local park in 1912. The mansion was used as a hospital during the First World War and later opened as a museum. In the early 1950s the building had to be demolished when dry rot took hold.

Councillor Amanda Byrne, Portfolio Holder for Community Services, said:

“Other than the statue of John Fielden, there is very little in Centre Vale Park about its history. The mansion footprint will help to change that.

“We are now looking at including some type of game, involving the footprint, for the children to play while learning about the history of the park.

“The footprint will help the Council to achieve one of its key priorities, to promote respect for Calderdale’s heritage.”