On Saturday 20th May, a day school will be held at Saddleworth Museum to mark the publication of History in the South Pennines: the Legacy of Alan Petford.
This new book, lavishly illustrated in full colour, features fourteen chapters covering a thousand years of history in Saddleworth, Marsden and the Calder Valley. It has been written by students and friends of the late Alan Petford, an influential historian and inspirational teacher.
Alan Petford grew up in Uppermill, was Head Boy at Hulme Grammar School and went up to University College, Oxford to read history. He then held teaching posts at Blackburn, Hipperholme and Lancaster grammar schools. A founder member of Saddleworth Historical Society, it was as a Workers’ Educational Association lecturer that he enthused countless students in Saddleworth and beyond. He died in 2015 aged 61.
The day school will feature six talks by authors of the new book on subjects ranging from population to poetry and enclosure to architecture. Saddleworth’s development during the middle ages will be discussed, and Greenfield: a Poem, written in c.1780 by Samuel Bottomley whose family were publicans at the Cross Keys, Uppermill, will be examined. The day will end with a reception to celebrate the publication of the new book.
Everyone is welcome to attend. The price for the day is £15 which includes lunch and refreshments. Booking is through David Harrison, david@djwharrison.plus.com
