The Moss Valley was well positioned to support early industrial development in England. It had coal seams, minerals and the Moss River itself was a source of power. A tram line took minerals up the North side of the valley towards Mosborough, to the East towards Eckington, the Penny Engine line took coal from the Seldom Seen mine and passengers from the village to one of the rail stations serving the area.
The area was home to the land-owning Sitwell family and of able managers and entrepreneurs such as Joseph Hutton III (1757-1823) an innovative sickle maker and Joseph George Wells, founders of one of the largest mining companies of their time. St Peter & St Paul’s parish church, situated above the river in Eckington benefited from the philanthropy of these pioneers.
Visitors are invited to walk the valley on guided walks or self-guided with a booklet. This will be based on
Mosborough History Society’s booklet 3, ‘Waterwheels, Woodland and Wildlife’, using the church as a starting point and continuing to Ford (the Bridge Inn) before returning, largely on the opposite bank of the river. The distance is approximately 5 miles, 2.5 hours duration.
The church will house an exhibition on the industries of the Moss valley, with old photographs, documents and maps. A virtual tour of the valley on video will show the key historic features. Visitors can tour the church, with its beautiful stained-glass windows and bell tower. On the 17th the bells will ring from 10:00 a.m. to signal the start of the events in church and visitors may have the opprtunity to see how the bells are rung. Refreshments will be available both days.
Open days
Church – Saturday 10th and Saturday 17th, 11.00 am to 4.00 pm
Guided walks – Sunday 11th, Tuesday 13th and Thursday 14th Start at church at 11.00 am.
Bookable through Organiser’s email – lainychambers @ gmail.com