Just four miles from Colne lies the historic abandoned village of Wycoller, a once-thriving community now lying in ruins but offering a compelling glimpse into the past. This settlement is especially famous for its associations with the renowned Brontë sisters, who resided in nearby Haworth.
Literary Connections to Jane Eyre
In her timeless novel Jane Eyre, English author Charlotte Brontë created a fictional setting, Ferndean Manor, which is believed to have been influenced by the present-day ruins of Wycoller Hall. From the 16th to the 18th century, the hall stood as the village's centrepiece, dominating the surrounding landscape, and would almost certainly have been seen by the writer during her visits to the region.
The author was known to frequent Gawthorpe Hall as a guest of the Kay-Shuttleworth family, and it's thought that during these visits, this striking building sparked her creative vision. The clue lies in her description within the novel of the route to the Manor from the old coach road, which matches remarkably well with Wycoller Hall.
Ancient Bridges and History
Today, only ruins and fragments remain of what was once a flourishing and charming village. After years of abandonment, local volunteers saved the settlement during the 1940s, with Lancashire County Council later taking ownership of the location. Today it forms part of Wycoller Country Park, accessible to all who wish to wander and explore amongst its historic remnants.
Amongst the heritage attractions, visitors can find several bridges crossing the peaceful beck that runs through its heart. Clam Bridge stands amongst these ancient structures, regularly traversed by park guests, with roots extending far beyond the 19th century and the time of the Brontës. This bridge is thought to be an Ancient monument, over 1,000 years old - and it's not the only sign of the area's ancient history.
Another equally impressive bridge in Wycoller is Sally's Bridge, which became famous for appearing in the film The Railway Children. It has survived through the ages, with origins dating back to the 13th-15th century. Clapper Bridge likewise comprises substantial gritstone slabs supported by piers, believed to date from as early as the 16th century.
Conservation and Visitor Experience
Numerous artefacts unearthed amongst the remains of this deserted village show evidence of human settlement reaching back to the Stone Age. The location continues to draw visitors today, who examine the ruins and uncover the histories of those who formerly lived there. Nevertheless, conservation efforts are in place to preserve its untouched character, preventing modern encroachments. This includes a vehicle-free zone, meaning no accessible roads enter the village, which can only be approached on foot, unless you're a resident possessing a permit.
A visitor said on TripAdvisor: "Wycoller is such a cute, picturesque little place. It has a lovely stream for sitting by or paddling in. There's plenty of shade in summer, from the huge trees. There was also a small exhibition, some ruins and well preserved stone bridges. It's not a long walk but it's perfect for a picnic and/or for the kids to paddle in the stream."
Another added: "Beautiful place to go with amazing sights and a lovely shop for snacks and a warm drink. There are also different little trails and bridges to go over and plenty of ducks to feed. I recommend this to anyone who fancies going out for the day to be in touch with nature."
