As the name would imply, water has been a major factor in the history of Sowerby Bridge since it was founded in medieval times or maybe even earlier as a hamlet by a crossing of the Rivers Calder and Ryburn. As this was sheep country the village of Sowerby evolved as a place of woollen cloth production. Sowerby is thought to refer to the land being soured and boggy. The wetland that had once been a source of problems – for travel and as an insect ridden health hazard – became a huge asset for the town in the industrial revolution, its water driving machinery and providing the resources needed for the processing of cloth on a massive scale. With the building of the Rochdale Canal in 1804 waterborne transport facilitated the movement of goods made in the town to Manchester and beyond, and when the Calder and Hebble Navigation was built, Sowerby Bridge gained still further, as it stood at the junction of water routes east and west. Water played a part in the development of the foundries in the area too, and in the building of steam engines. The old industries have gone now, though much of the architecture that evolved with them remains, including several mills in the centre of the town converted into apartments, many owned by people who travel to Halifax, Huddersfield, Bradford or even Leeds for their work, rather than Sowerby. In spite of industrial decline Sowerby Bridge still had a population of almost 10,000 at the 2001 census, indeed the changing face of the place could be seen as an attraction in itself for a new breed of residents. It is perhaps ironic that with the departure of the old industries the town is now best known for its rush-bearing ceremonies, which predate the industrial revolution. In these events rushes to cover the floors of the town’s churches through the winter are brought to them in September. Water remains important for the town in spite of the decline of industry in the country, as the draw of water is being exploited in the development of the now re-opened Rochdale Canal as a tourist venue.
Dentist
Doctor
Station Road Surgery
The Surgery
Estate Agent
Brown William H
Halifax Property Services
Solicitors Property Service
Yorkshire Heritage
Inn
Market
Second Hand Market
Sowerby Bridge Open Market
Pub and Bar
Cunning Corner Inn
Engineers
Friendly Inn
Long Chimney
Millbank at Millbank
Moorcock Inn
Moorings
Navigation Inn
Queens Hotel
Stirk Bridge Inn
The Malt House
Waiters Arms
White Horse Inn
Restaurant
Cassoulet Barge Restaurant
Long Chimney
Millbank at Millbank
Moorcock Inn
The Malt House
Village Restaurant
School
Taxi
Sports Clubs
Sowerby Bridge CC (Cricket)
Triangle Cricket Club (Cricket)
Activities
Halifax Imperial Wheelers CC(Cycling)
Places to Stay near Sowerby Bridge
Hobbit Country Hotel (The) (0.41 miles)
It was over 100 years ago that three delver's cottages were converted to form a public house. Adding to the original stone walls and oak beams, sympathetic extensions have enhanced ... More
Tower House Hotel (1.45 miles)
The Tower House Hotel & Restaurant is named after the famous landmark Wain House Tower which is overlooking the property. The entire establishment has recently undergone major renovation and has ... More
Alma Inn (2.03 miles)
We are delighted to welcome you to The Alma Inn. luxurious hotel and corporate Accommodation, Fresco Pizzeria & Ristorante in Cottonstones, Sowerby Bridge, one of Calderdale’s finest, traditional country inns ... More
The Fleece Inn (2.03 miles)
Simple2let (2.07 miles)
"Your very own spacious ... More | visit website
Oatsroyd Mill (2.29 miles)
Premier Inn Halifax South (2.59 miles)
Ideally located within easy reach of the M62. Conveniently located for Halifax train station. For shops and local amenities Halifax town centre is only 2 miles away. Our Halifax Premier Inn has everything you'd expect, incredibly ... More | visit websiteWhite Swan Hotel (2.64 miles)
The White Swan Hotel is centrally located ensuring that you are only a short walk away from the shops, museums, restaurants and bars.There are 41 recently refurbished en-suite bedrooms. The ... More
Travelodge Halifax (2.70 miles)
Make your next short break a comfortable and convenient one with a stay at the quality Travelodge Halifax. Sitting just 1 mile from Halifax Train Station and within easy reach of the M62, this hotel ... More | visit website
Imperial Crown Hotel (2.73 miles)
Previously a textile mill, this friendly and traditional hotel is located in the heart of Halifax opposite Eureka! The museum for children and only a short walk from the nearby ... More | visit website
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