‘Cuckoos, moonrakers, leadboilers and lilies are the most unlikely inspirations behind the legends of the Colne Valley. The valley is just over six miles long yet it boasts an industrial history, which ranks among the most important in the world. It is difficult to believe the claim that at one time a squirrel could jump from tree to tree for the entire length of the valley. Even harder to believe is that you could stand at a certain vantage-point and see over one hundred mills.’

John A. Oldham, Legends of the Colne Valley.

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