The only farm flooded was Widdop farm. I actually think the frm house remained. There was an old farm and a new farm ( both old of course). At the far side of the reservoir there is Widdop Lodge which I think may be one of these farms

I went to Halifax records office and looked at the maps, I  even  drew some of  them., and made notes on my A -Z map of Yorkshire.  I wrote down information on field sizes and where possible, ownership. I can look it up for you, but it is not typed up. If you give me your address I can copy my notes and sen them to you

 Sue

Sue Thanks so much for your offer of help.  Really grateful.  I found the following information about Widdop reservoir from one of my walking books "South Pennine Walks" by Jack Keighley.

If a poll were to be held to establish which of the regions many reservoirs is the most beautiful it is probable that the vote would go to WIDDOP.  In it's wild and colourful setting of steep boulder strewn and bracken clad slopes topped by dark bristling crags it is reminiscent of a large Lakeland tarn.  Widdop, the name means wide valley was built to supply Halifax and materials were transported to the site up a 5 and a half mile long horse drawn tramway from Shackleton.  A shanty town known locally as "Navvyopolis" was established at Widdop to cater for the navvies and their families.  The temporary settlement had about two dozen huts, a general store, a bakehouse and a reading room and at peak activity some 200 men were working on the project.  The reservoir was completed in 1878 covering 93 acres and holds 633 million gallons of water.  The engineer Robert Bateman had attended the opening ceremony of the Suez canal in 1869 and there is a certain Egyptian character in his design of the valve house at the south end of the dam.

Yes thanks, I don't know the site, I'll have to try it

I'll copy the sketches etc today

Sue

Just been on it and I realised I did know it, but thanks anyway. It is a long time since I browsed it and previously rejected information may be more meaningful now

 Sue

Just thought you may be interested, pollyanna , but I put an articl on line some weeks ago 'The Origin of Measurements'  I based this on one of the   field measurements on Widdop Moor, and on the plans that I am scanning for you this very moment. They should be in the post tomorrow, you may like to read the articel to get a feel for the farm sizes

 Sue

Glad you liked the article, I had to research it as I couldn't remember all those measurements from the dim and distant past of the back of my school exercise book !!!!! Without the measurements the size of the farms meant nothing to me

It is very easy, to get to Halifax, there is a direct road from burnley. The library is at the end pf the main street, Market street I think, just down from the station. I seem to think it is at the end of gaol lane , or clos by. There is a shopping area called Woolshops, and it is beyond that. It is not far from the Piece Hall which every one knows, if you ask in the town.

I suggest you contact the archivist at Halifax, and explain what you want. I found her VERY helpful indeed and she got out all the maps for me, for when I arrived.I seem to recall there was a map online. of how to get to the library. Now as for parking I don't know, I go to halifax by train as it is so easy, but i recall there is a big parking area near the library.

We can meet if you want to, can you get there by train. The train comes in next to Eureka Childrens' museum. If you drive you can probably park in that car park. I seem to recll the main road into the town passes Eureka

 I have posted the information on the farms to you.

 Sue

Sue,

Sounds like a good idea.  It may get into next month before I could find the time, what with Easter and I have several hospital appointments this month.  Thanks for sending the information off to me, I'll let you know when it arrives.  If there is any-thing you want me to check out for you at Burnley reference library let me know.  They have an excellent family history section there. Do you get the opportunity to visit the Widdop area?  I'm up there most week-ends walking in the footsteps of my ancestors.  Fabulous area. 

P.S. You are not a mad axe murderer are you?  I've heard about meeting people over the internet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Not attacked anyone recently!!!!!!!

Actually I go to Burnley library rather a lot, and I visit Burnley every week to see my Dad

Yes the library is very good indeed. I have found some interesting facts about my Widdup and Proctor lines there. They have also got a copy of my research into the Maylards and and some on John widdup and are having them bound for the shelves. We could actually meet there first if you want. I have sent you my email in the letter, you can email me privately and I'll give you my phone number.Like you I am pretty busy at the moment, I took early retirement last year  and am so busy now I don't know how I worked

 Sue

Hi Sue,

Thanks so much for all the information.  It arrived Saturday.  Just what I was looking for.  I'll email you privately later today. Now I can put a name to all the farm ruins I see on my walks.  You've even got Raistrick Greave Brilliant!!!

Supposedly John Wesley preached standing on this rock near the Widdop reservoir dam, known as Wesley's Pulpit although it's not recorded in his journal for 1766. Wesley did preach at Widdop 5 May 1747 "I preached ... about three at Widdop, a little village in the midst of huge, barren mountains, where also there was a Society"

Anyone know where Widdop Village used to be?

I found this on a Widdop  website