Welcome to The Briercliffe Society Forum

The old drystone wall at Holt Hill, does this historic wall still stand?! Why would I ask? It contains many initials hacked into its surface, and most of those are of my Nuttall ancestors. Nowadays it is only driven past, I assume, but in the 50s and 60s there were far less vehicles and we kids would stand and try to add our initials too! When I last walked past it maybe 8 years ago, its great bulk was sinking. I believe it to be worthy of 'notable status' or something! If it collapses (or has collapsed) who knows that initials such as WN (William Nuttall, but which one?) are there, showing how letters were formed in the 19th century. I hope I'm not the only one to have noted this wall.
Myrna, now living in York.

It’s quite a while since I’ve been up there, but we are over that way tomorrow so might make a detour.

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Gloria

I'd be dangerous with a brain.

Thanks for your reply, Gloria! It's around 8 years since I walked up there (I was in New Zealand in the meantime which was the main excuse!) and the wall was 'bellying' a little at that point, so I don't think it can last for long. Some of those initials hacked into the wall are from many generations ago - there is an archaic form of WN (could have been my g.g. grandad William Nuttall). Some walls qualify as heritage walls and can be protected (or when re-built, they retain carefully the inscriptions) I have written to Roger Frost in recent months about it ( I don't know the other councillors but I could try them too) but I hadn't heard back from him.
Myrna

Hi Myrna,
Did you email or send a snail mail letter to Roger? I know he was unwell during lockdown but I've not been in touch with him recently

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Mel

Searching for lost relatives? Win the Lottery!

Couldn’t see many definite letters, just managed to make out what we thought was F, A and maybe P.

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Gloria

I'd be dangerous with a brain.

Can you email the images to me please Gloria. I can't do it by editing your comment unfortunately.

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Mel

Searching for lost relatives? Win the Lottery!

[quote="Mel"]Can you email the images to me please Gloria. I can't do it by editing your comment unfortunately.[/quote]
Sent them Mel, thanks.

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Gloria

I'd be dangerous with a brain.

Done Gloria. Managed to break the site in the process

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Mel

Searching for lost relatives? Win the Lottery!

Oooops.

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Gloria

I'd be dangerous with a brain.

Myrna,
This might be of interest https://local-heritage-list.org.uk/lancashire

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Gloria

I'd be dangerous with a brain.

Thanks Gloria – I’m pretty sure this idea of mine to raise the profile of the old wall, won’t pass any tests with that particular initiative, but it’s so good to know that there are options for people to highlight features in their locality.

Myrna