The abandoned mills in the valley

In this video we go looking for the abandoned mills in the valley. The valley is Ashworth valley Heywood, Rochdale Lancashire. The valley is created by the Naden brook. The mills are early 19th century remains of Coal bank mill and Ashworth mill. Once fulling mills they later became cotton mills. They were the original Lancashire cotton spinning mills. We also look briefly at evidence of mining in the Lancashire coal field. In our historic countryside walk we encounter some beautiful English countryside. This video is about the Industrial history of Manchester and Lancashire.

[@Materialworld4]

Hey Martin, my great-great-great-grandfather, Nicholas was a millwright who lived in Little Bolton, and Manchester, before sailing to America from Liverpool in 1834. In the 1530s my family lived in Whalley, during the period of time notorious for the dissolution of the monasteries by King Henry VIII. Obviously I am very interested in what you are woking on, so I want to thank you again. My ancestor Nicholas was born in 1798, and worked on the cotton mills my great-great-great-grandfather Henry Hughes owned southeast of Manchester. That relationship born 200 years ago is responsible for the son and daughter of these two men meeting, and later getting married in Rhode Island. Together James and Eliza headed to California in 1846, to seek their fortune north of what would become San Francisco. Me I live in the middle of the Sonoran Desert of Arizona where it will be 116 degrees today. Thanks Martin, you do a wonderful, masterful job of presenting your adventures.

[@simontay4851]

Wow, thats an amazing family history.

[@hermbobsquarehead]

You should pay a visit to the North West of England and see where it all began!

[@MartinZero]

Wow what a fab history thats brilliant and thanks for watching so far away

[@shaunpeveritt]

Little Bolton town hall survives, it has recently been refurbished

[@alanabdiel4868]

Instablaster

[@Materialworld4]

Martin, I want to point out the fact that your videos are extremely helpful during the pandemic here in Arizona, they are a way of living vicariously, and safely at home. You have a wide audience Martin, I am currently around 5,114 miles from you as I relax in an air-conditioned space.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very much. Its so nice to hear that you watch them so far away

[@winniegeo]

Beautiful. Thanks for sharing. Nova

[@alexac3098]

Small world, another fan from Arizona here!

[@DemelzaBoing]

Aw.... Just finished Sunday Dinner. Having a brew and a Martin Zero adventure appears. Perfect Sunday now. Thank you for sharing.... :)

[@MartinZero]

Thank you very much 1 sugar for me

[@MartinZero]

Yeah it was

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Molly

[@jdinnen1]

The groves left by the cartwheels are almost eerie. To think of how different that area was back then now left to nature. Fantastic detail. Great vid

[@suzyqualcast6269]

Thought the cartwheels ran either side of the stones and the horses walked and wore down the centre if the laid stones....

[@jdinnen1]

@@suzyqualcast6269 to be honest I don't know. Maybe they did. All the same it is great to see that marks left by people working over a century ago are left in the middle of the woods now. Just paints a picture in my mind of how different it must have looked.

[@marilynpowell6881]

@@suzyqualcast6269 I was watching a Tom Burleigh KZbin video the other day and he was walking through somewhere in Yorkshire and they had the same sort of pathway of stone with a middle rut, probably the same sort of thing.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very much

[@kohedunn]

Wow.................I'm lost for words.....You're not though are you Martin ! What more could we ask for ..a first class commentary with unique sounds freshly incorporated by you ...! As for the scenery .....Well... I'm speechless... Moved to tears.. So lovely .. and poignant..The old photo of the mill and an old man sitting on a wall... We're all here for a split second in time... then we move on . leaving our past to be discovered by others....Thank you Martin... You are a gift to our tired old souls these days....x

[@MartinZero]

Thank you so much Anne

[@DemelzaBoing]

These ruins in the woods look how I imagine middle earth to look.... Almost enchanted.... The history is very emotional..... I love the presentation of your videos.

[@kohedunn]

I thought the same thing..! Middle earth ...

[@RegebroRepairs]

​@@kohedunn The ancient ruins of the Yonners of Brigantes.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Demelza yes it is a bit Middle earth

[@knowlesy3915]

Rochdale is sorta like middle earth, especially if you sit in one of the pubs long enough ;)

[@Littlewing6was9]

It IS middle earth. The HEART Of the Chest of Man (Manchester) to the left of the backbone (Pennines) of the Angel land (England) Our history has been hidden and rewritten but the clues are all around us in the names of towns and streets and buildings. And pubs hotels and the sigils that adorn old municipal offices and buildings. There are many many tunnels beneath every town near me. Dungeons and conduits and bunkers and hidey holes. Are they still in use, absolutely. But there ain't no nuclear fallout coming so a critical mind would ask what or who is being hidden or kept down there

[@anneforster510]

So many old mills in various stages of decay , it's a wonderful legacy and thanks to you for recording it Martin. So many collieries too . Nowadays peaceful places but when they were all active the noise and smell must have been tremendous.

[@MartinZero]

Yes, I am probably guilty of romanticising them as back in the day they were not pleasant

[@spex357]

I haven't been in Owd Betts for probably 55 years, nowt much has changed, cheese and onion pie for me as well, thanks.

[@MartinZero]

I bet it hasnt changed much

[@spex357]

@@MartinZero It was an ideal place for the family to meet in as they all lived around it in different directions and my Uncle Jack and Mavis might have played a gig or four there.

[@diswaybf3]

Thanks for the great Content mate!! Think the BBC need to give you your own show!!

[@ShalomBrother]

Defund the bbc

[@nedseagoon5101]

Good grief, no! I’d have to stop watching his great videos then!

[@TheNapalmFTW]

TV would ruin the show.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Dan

[@ArtistTree]

HELLO JAMES! You did great! 😁 Love the jacket.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Tree, I will pass it on

[@edterry4073]

The craftsmanship in the stonework of these mills in incredible. It looks like those ruins could stand another couple hundred years. I would bet the gearworks you saw were not connected to a waterwheel, but rather opened/regulated wooden sluices that fed water to the wheel closer to the mill. The water wheel needed to drive leather belts to power the machinery, so close proximity to the machinery was essential.

[@MartinZero]

Yeah love the stonework

[@wladniem]

Cheers Martin, I feel like I'v just had a day out, thanks

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very much Jenny

[@mainzman7239]

Who else gives Martin's videos a thumbs up before watching them? I'm pretty sure I'm not alone in this. Thank you for making and posting such great videos, it's always a good day when I get a notification for a new one. Your love of and enthusiasm for Manchester and it's surroundings really shines through and adds an extra something that not many film posters have. You're doing wonderful work, please keep it up.

[@MartinZero]

Thank you very much appreciated

[@murlthomas2243]

The still of the waterfall with the gear wheel in the foreground is a stunner!

[@MartinZero]

Thank you Murl

[@scottandrea10]

Time Team,Fred Dibnah,Guy Martin...and Martin Zero!! God knows how you haven't been snapped up! If i was a tv producer i'd snap you up in a heartbeat. Another great vid!!

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very much Scott 👍

[@TheNapalmFTW]

The TV process would ruin what we love about Martin's videos.

[@mci6830]

That chimney must have been on Freds list of next jobs .

[@Tom_Roberts]

Whenever I get a message that there's another one of Martin's videos up , I go and make a cup of tea and some butties and then sit down for about half-an-hour's enjoyment. Infectious enthusiasm - just wonderful. If anyone is interested ,the book you referenced - " The Forgotten Valley " is available on Amazon - over £900 (!) , but you can get it from Bury History Society as a reprint for £6. I bought a copy www.burylhs.org.uk/valley.html

[@MartinZero]

Bloody hell its £900 ????

[@SMILEVIDEOTRAINS]

amazeingly beautiful. excellent to view. thank you.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very much

[@oldmanhuppiedos]

As a Dutchman I find your vlogs very interesting to follow. Indeed one is busy removing the jar, but it is also good to do. What an imposing chimney it is. Martin Many thanks for the video.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very much, so glad you enjoy watching

[@oldmanhuppiedos]

@@MartinZero Thank you, always nice to follow

[@errolcostin631]

Played all round there when I was a young lad. The mill chimney steps lead to a walk-in-pit which now appears to have disappeared. The first mill you came to in those days was much bigger and the channel for the water wheel was still evident. Thanks for the memories Martin. Have you discovered Healey Dell yet ? A perfect place for one of your videos, with charming old train tracks and bygone evidence of water mills, a viaduct and an old bomb factory and when you are exhausted from discovering all those, there are the most welcoming tea rooms.

[@MartinZero]

Hi Errol yeah I have been to Healey Dell its beautiful

[@errolcostin631]

@@MartinZero Thanks for the reply martin.

[@UKVampy]

Proper documentary made by proper Northeners, down to earth and made with a passion.

[@MartinZero]

Thank you 👍

[@keithalexander3386]

Lovely walk down Ashy Valley, Martin. I liked the bit at the end at Owd Betts. I have sat where you were many, many times over 20 years ago and had some good food. Glad to see it is still going.

[@MartinZero]

Nice place Keith. My first time in there

[@simontay4851]

The waterfall and the music between 24:24 and 26:00 is absolutely amazing. It makes me want to visit this place so badly. my eyes were welling up listing to it. It sounds like a guitar solo from a pink floyd song.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Simon, if you get chance visit 👍

[@auser1484]

There he stood in the doorway, He heard his recording bell, He was thinking to himself, This could be heaven or this could be hell, Then he lit up a torch, And he showed us the way, There was history down this corridor, I thought I heard him say Welcome to KZbin Martin Zero, Such a history place (such a history place), Such a wonderous place, Plenty of videos at KZbin Martin Zero, All the days each year (all the days each year), He'll find you here....

[@Dan23_7]

That rings a hotel bell 👍🏻

[@Swaggerlot]

There's an old mill by the stream, Nellie Dean Where we used to sit and dream, Nellie Dean And the waters as they flow, Seem to murmur sweet and low You are my heart's desire; I love you, Nellie Dean.

[@MartinZero]

👌very nice 😀

[@Dan23_7]

Swaggerlot I like it but don't recognise it 😂

[@DemelzaBoing]

@@Swaggerlot My Dad used to sing this song.... Awww!

[@gafrers]

Wonderful as usual

[@MartinZero]

Thank you

[@josephranker5716]

Please take this as it is.. I've been around more then a few friends from the cities of the mid-lands, so not an issue for me.. but my daughter was having a hard time with some words.. So I switched on "CC" .. wow.. love it .. in this video it came up with "tease the lung mill" "called back mill" "Geez Dan Brooke " it had me in tears. You sound perfect to me but the computer generated "CC" has serious issues.. Keep up the good digging, love your videos

[@cubicinches18]

Eeeeee bye gum it's a bit parky come in and put wood n thole

[@Dave64track]

Yeh CC is always a good laugh on most video's if your hard of hearing you will be thinking what did he say nice one.

[@redlock4004]

This computer/language thing is troublesome. If you want a real hoot, take any text and translate it into any language, then run it back to English. The more times that you do this process the funnier it gets :)

[@MartinZero]

Oh dear, better switch it off 😆

[@josephranker5716]

@@MartinZero .. I will, mostly.. it is easier to follow the details of your "quest" BTW, you had your tank.. you need an RC boat with camera.. ;)

[@10wanderer]

The remnents of the Mills . waterfalls . provide a fantastic setting now it,s all overgrown . only nature can produce this !

[@MartinZero]

Incredible place Peter

[@bullettube9863]

What a wonderful valley packed with so much history! Can you imagine how many people were employed here? These little villages were self contained communities, the people didn't have to go outside the village for employment, and probably got everything they needed from local shops. Martin you deserve a medal or something for showing us the history that otherwise would be lost and forgotten! A fulling mill would have been used to wash and pound wool prior to being spun by wooden hammers driven by water wheels. There could have been another mill that made the wool into cloth or even clothing. Steam powered mills in Manchester eventually made water powered mills like these redundant as they didn't have to shut down in winter.

[@MartinZero]

Ahh thanks I wondered about the Fulling process. Yes what a place

[@bullettube9863]

@@MartinZero You are welcome, but it is you who deserves many,many thanks for showing people the history that is literally in their backyards. I know a lot of people who credit (or blame) the industrial revolution for the massive changes it brought to small town life in the 19th century. But technological changes always brings some pain with the gain.

[@TheWacoKid1963]

Martin Zero, The number one tour guide for all things Manchester, Top marks again Martin

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very much

[@longhairedlad]

James with his lovely huge grin looked like he had a great time! Always good to see people so enthusiastic and enjoying themselves around our industrial heritage and nature...

[@MartinZero]

Yeah he did enjoy it. He wants to do another

[@thebongmaster]

Your friend looked like he had a fun day :) wouldn't surprise me if he wants to go out again XD

[@MartinZero]

Yeah I think he enjoyed it

[@sextoncardew903]

Dear Martin, Great Video. I am an ancient ex-Yorkshire lad living in OZ, and am getting too old for energetic travel so I find videos such as yours very enjoyable.

[@MartinZero]

Thank you very much. Glad you enjoy 👍

[@rossdtool]

It's amazing that an industrial area can become such a beautiful, natural looking forested place so quickly. Maybe having the stream flowing past helps the plants to take back the land.

[@simonrichardson5077]

Superb videos,thank you Martin

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Simon

[@sambensley3534]

Good evening Martin, I’ve just introduced my 13 yo daughter to your videos, she finds your your voice relaxing Thank you Martin

[@MartinZero]

Oh thats nice, relaxing not boring ? 😆😆

[@fv7765]

A great video! Manchester have so much of history.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very much

[@Isabellaacapella]

Fascinating, one of my favourites of yours... and I LOVE the music!

[@tracya4087]

loved it ' thanks martin . in fact adored it . all our very beat warm wishes from wigan . still in lancashire

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very much and best regards to Wigan

[@danieltoth-nagy5097]

Thank you Martin, another amazing video!

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Daniel

[@TheRopeAddict]

Always a pleasure watching your shows.

[@MartinZero]

Thank you Joseph

[@lorrainemerry8661]

Rewatching some of your videos. I luv em.

[@valerielongmore5040]

My home Martin lived in Norden for many many years used to walk around all these places, made me so homesick! Wonderful video capturing the whole spirit of the place, also loved moricone! Naden brook was a cockstride away from us, loved to escape there, and owd betts! Well, just the business! Loved it all, brought a tear to my eye i must say, thanks for going there! Take care lad!

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very much Valerie. Glad you enjoyed it

[@Theoobovril]

Yet another splendid video by you, Martin. Never thought that anything historical, outside of London, could be as interesting as London itself, but you consistently prove me wrong. Along with John Rogers with his historical and geographical walks around London, along with it's suburbs, you two together produce some of the finest and most interesting videos to be found here on KZbin.

[@MartinZero]

Thank you very much

[@stephenfillingham6289]

Yet another great video Martin, thanks.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Stephen

[@joylunn3445]

Super video Martin, I love these videos.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very much Joy

[@sharonjones4509]

You have taken some amazing shots on this video. Thank you for sharing xx

[@marklawson8346]

Martin as ever your videos inspire and I love the long exposure pictures of the water keep them coming 👍🏻

[@MartinZero]

Thank you Mark

[@David_Owsnett]

That is a marvelous photo of the waterfall.

[@MartinZero]

Thank you David

[@michaelwalters7333]

Great Video Martin, Have a Good One

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Michael

[@mikecawood]

Another great video.

[@Cowley46]

Wow that was stunning and its another fine example of these amazing places that are often right on our doorsteps. That groove in the old stone road from the cartwheels is a gem. Thanks for sharing.

[@MartinZero]

Yes its a lovely place and thank you

[@ausi14u]

Great work again. Thanks.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very much

[@alanharwood1636]

Excellent vid Martin ... this is my second view .... what a stunning place. ... you're a tonic in these uncertain times.

[@MartinZero]

Thank you Alan

[@TheGodsrighthandman]

Another excellent video, Martin. Young James seems like a nice lad , well done for introducing him to the Exploration Game.

[@MartinZero]

Yeah I think he was impressed

[@christinegibbins6105]

Stunning area, thank you Martin and James, take care

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Christine

[@topshot2787]

Great video again. Love your enthusiasm for history showing us the old maps and photo, s and going out documenting and filming like we are actually out there with you when we are sat at home with a cup of tea at home in our armchairs. All the best from lancashire.

[@MartinZero]

Thank you Top Shot

[@jamiesut5866]

Another outstanding piece of work!

[@MartinZero]

Thank you Jamie

[@jetsons101]

Sundays have always been my favorite day but sense discovering Martin Zero there even better. Again another great video, wish I was there on the walk with you two. You are very lucky to be surrounded by so much history in the UK, I hear that when planting in the back garden to expect a Roman coin here or there. Each week your work gets better and better in every way, although the "River Medlock" is still my favorite series..... Again thanks for the great watch and am already looking forward to next Sunday.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very much Mike

[@MrAsBBB]

Love the history. So well done

[@MartinZero]

Thank you

[@garethparr649]

A gem as always Martin such beautiful places on our doorstep

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Gareth

[@bradleypearce3224]

Love these videos, keep up the great work

[@rachelforrester2333]

Beautiful place, pub looked good. Thanks again Martin x

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Rachel yeah its a nice pub

[@theowdgit9790]

Fantastic just fantastic Martin.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very much

[@peterkilvert2712]

Another great day out. I didn't know it was there either. Many thanks Martin.

[@MartinZero]

Thank you Peter

[@andykopgod]

Oh yessssssssssd, get in martin 👏👏

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Andrew

[@colinthegeordiehistorian10]

Brilliant Martin loved every minute of that great music to go with it as well

[@MartinZero]

Thank you Colin

[@maryrobins8246]

Even though it's ruins, it's absolutely stunning Martin

[@trevortrevortsr2]

Worth a trip - Martin your a star - Your friends are always delightful

[@MartinZero]

Yeah take a visit Trev and thanks

[@chrisspain5411]

A great video,music and I loved the pictures of the heron and insects. Keep them coming!

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Chris

[@SuperRichhead]

Thanks Martin for another great video. Will be going there on a photography trip when the autumn colours show.

[@MartinZero]

Yeah that would be good Richard

[@MrJeep75]

Gorgeous video

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Mr Jeep

[@ianjones65]

Yet another brilliant video, super editing, commentary, facts and of course music and yes spaghetti westerns, brought back childhood memories, loved them. Can not wait to come back to another video !

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very much Ian

[@barbhenderson4867]

Brilliant video Martin, that looks like a lovely walk, so interesting too, my son says when we go out on a walk it’s like a history lesson lol, he thought the old lamp posts had bird perch’s on!! Until I told him they’re for a ladder, thanks for sharing history with us xxxxx

[@MartinZero]

Ahh yes it takes an experienced eye Barbara 👌

[@norbertjohn]

You're the best Martin! Thoroughly enjoyed that from start to finish.Fantastic location and great filming. Amazing how everything reverts back to nature. It would be a different world 150 200 years ago.

[@MartinZero]

Thank you, yeah it would have been very industrial

[@simonholliday9874]

Great sequel to the lost mills. Mike Harding did a fabulous routine about going to Ashworth Valley with the cubs!

[@andrewschmitz9707]

Love the jacket James! This video was so beautiful both in terms of nature as well as the history. In a way ,it is all intertwined since once developed valleys are now a nature preserve.

[@Haerleif]

great video again, cool variation with the pub, food is like I remember from my trip around the uk many years ago!

[@gazsands]

Great thanks. Can't wait to go and explore, can't believe this is on our door step and I never knew.

[@MartinZero]

You need to get down there Gaz its 👌

[@floor993]

Wonderful again and a joy to see, music also!

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Flo

[@righttobloodydissent]

Mind blowing scenery Mr Zero and James did well smiling the entire time.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very much

[@mikehatton9540]

Great vid as always Martin. Some great shots done by James of you by the waterfall, you need to get him onboard. Hope you get back there with your waders soon, too. Thanks again.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Mike. Am not sure it goes very far you know

[@dtb2654]

another well made and informative video Martin, thanks again

[@MartinZero]

Thank you

[@thomastierney8705]

Wow what an amazing video there martin i like interesting things like that i shall be listening to that tune you mentioned in this video bet it was tranquil walking through the woods looking for the mill you can just imagine how it was in them days the water wheel turning glad you & james had summat to you both must of been hungry.

[@MartinZero]

Its a great place Thomas. It was very tranquil

[@thomastierney8705]

@@MartinZero cool

[@ewindfeld9735]

Very Cool, Loved the Videos, your an inspiration Martin. Thank You.

[@MartinZero]

Thank you very much

[@Patriotmagnets]

Absolutely excellent video, the history of the mines was ace. Thank you. 👍🇬🇧

[@MartinZero]

Thank you

[@richardlangly4635]

I hope to goodness school kids are using these videos in their history lessons. This sort of stuff is way more alive and interesting than dusty old textbooks. Great video as always.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Richard

[@alexwake850]

Aw wow what a fantastic fascinating video thanks for sharing I love your Passion for things historical.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very much Alex

[@munocat]

Another great video. Oh boy, wish I could have a pub lunch. No such think in my neck of the woods. I really enjoyed the brooks, the valley and waterfalls. Good to know about the Blue Monday history.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very much Warren

[@oceanwanderer8065]

Lovin' the Vids mate, great to know there are still people who care about our History-----respect!

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Heather

[@maggiefleuriot4427]

Gorgeous views, lovely music. Thanks Dean. James has the most gorgeous smile. Keep it up guys. You made my Monday solid gold. Hugs from Africa.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very much Maggie

[@Andy-From-England]

Really cool video video with lovley scenery .... I remember blue monday it was great at the school disco and that food look mmmmmmmmm

[@MartinZero]

Cheers Andy, yeah the food was pretty good to be honest

[@rydermike33]

Agree with James, that was 'sick'. Fantastic as always Martin, thank you. Nice link between the music of The Good The Bad and the Ugly, New Order and Manchester. Glad you you enjoyed your pub grub.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very much Mike

[@rogerbourke5570]

Fascinating. I used to play there as a kid in the 60s. Glad to see it is still unspoilt.

[@MartinZero]

Yeah its still beautiful Roger

[@stevecooper3010]

Top show Martin 👍

[@Bender24k]

Heck of a chimney all alone! That creek area seems pretty clean of trash - I'm impressed. Thanks Martin - my Sunday is now complete.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Jeff yes the whole place is very clean

[@bods1]

Another awesome video Martin 👍

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Stuart

[@matthewrail6065]

Another great video

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Matthew

[@murrayedington]

Nice one, Martin - fascinating!!

[@MartinZero]

Thank you Murray

[@suzysharpe2141]

Martin,.. your videos get ever better! Thanks so much for all the hard work you put into them to keep us all entertained. The scenery in this current video is beautiful !😁 It's nice to see the Owd Betts pub is still going... been in there a couple of times ... though years ago. Looking forward to your next video. Stay safe!!

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very much Suzy yeah its a very nice pub

[@frederickplatt320]

My wife and l from Ontario Canada have just been enjoying your videos of the buildings and nature scenes, and all the research you and your friends put I to the show's.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Frederick.My regards to you and your wife

[@neilmartin3220]

Another great video Martin thanks. My god that pie has made me peckish.

[@MartinZero]

Cheese and Onion pies are calling to you Neil 😀