Sticky Valves Chapter 2

Dark Pennine Tales

Immerse yourself in the rich, layered history of Saddleworth, a picturesque area straddling the counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire. Gracefully embraced by the Pennines' windswept slopes, this region is known for its fresh air, vibrant autumn foliage, and the serene River Tame. Discover the ghostly whispers of Saddleworth's past arising from artifacts and architecture dating back to the Stone Age, Roman era, and the 13th century church. This ancient land is mentioned in the Domesday Book, and is ornamented with centuries-old boundaries marked by crumbling stone walls and elusive, time-ravaged milestones.

Saddleworth's tale turns the pages to the Industrial Revolution, when booming woollen and cotton mills fuelled economic and population growth, forging the enduring character of its villages. As these mills diminished, modern Saddleworth reinvented itself as a cultural and heritage hub. Savour a coffee at one of the newly spruced, brightly painted houses turned into bustling cafes. Enjoy local festivals, traditional pubs, sports clubs, trendy boutiques, and everything else Saddleworth has to offer.

At the heart of Saddleworth is Friar Mare, the largest village named after long-gone black friars. It is dotted with age-old dwellings, contemporary homes, a busy bus route and breath-taking views. Yet, nestled within its charm is a dark secret - the deserted Friar's Grange, a 17th-century manor cut off from society and seething with ominous mystery.

Step into the world of Christine, a resident whose fascination with the grange borders on obsession. Through her, uncover the eerie occurrences at the seemingly empty grange and encounter unseen horrors lurking in its shadows. This is a tale of intrigue and suspicion that shows sometimes, in Saddleworth, the past never truly fades away, it haunts us, reminding us of its indelible mark on the present.