After a morning of heavy, blustery showers 15 hardy souls joined Trevor Marklew at Martin Top Chapel. We set off down Lower Lover Lane to the bridge over Howgill Beck, or ‘the goyt’, which, Trevor explained, had been the site of two corn mills. One had ceased operation in the 18th Century, the other survived into the 20th Century. Retracing our steps we walked down Robin Lane past the latter mill, now a residence. Turning left off the lane we followed a farm track to Gazegill – now an organic farm and restaurant.
The walk came to a halt as we were entertained by numerous piglets dashing around their pens.
Leaving the farm, we walked across the meadow as Trevor pointed out sites where the Ribble Valley Archaeological Group had conducted exploratory digs. Having crossed the beck, we climbed the track back up to Martin Top Lane, where Trevor paused by a newly renovated house – formerly a school. He explained that in the late 19th and early 20th Century the area’s population had been much larger than at present. He pointed out the sites of two mills and another former school. There had been shops and even a café, before the mills closed and people gradually moved away. A short stroll, with great views brought us back to the chapel. And it hadn’t rained at all!
Entering the chapel, we passed through its impressive interior that is still largely as it was in 1817, when it was first built. Pastor Alan Marsden greeted us and led us through to the upstairs annexe where he served refreshments. Alan then gave the company a short talk about the founding and history of ‘Salem Congregational Chapel at Martin Top’. He briefly set out the origins of non-conformism and how congregationalist chapels were founded and continue to be run to the present day. He pointed out items that were on display: the original deeds, registers, photographs and records of proceedings. After answering questions from the group, he also informed us that the chapel had recently acquired another at Hetton, near to Cracoe and had plans for a third chapel in Burnley. A far cry from the chapel’s humble origins.
Our thanks go to Trevor and Alan for an interesting and informative afternoon.