Pictures of Marsden

About Marsden

Surrounded by wild and beautiful countryside this traditional Pennine Mill Town lies on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal at the confluence of the rivers Colne and Wessen. It is at the northern tip of the Peak District National Park close to the long march of the Pennine Way.

Marsden offers visitors a wealth of heritage, particularly in association with the town's expansion which came about during the heady days of the Industrial Revolution. Many of Marsden's buildings relating to this period remain in the town to this day. Of special interest is the magnificently restored Mechanics Institute, now the home of the local theatrical society. The group known as the Marsden Luddites met in the towns inns and market place, the Luddite movement began when textile workers rebelled against the use of machinery in 1811.

There has been a church in Marsden for many centuries, the present church dedicated to St.Bartholomew was built on the old church site in 1895 at a cost of £10,000. The tower was built in 1911, the parish hall was completed in 1924, with an extension being added in 1978. In the tree lined churchyard there are a number of ancient carved tombs and graves.

The Methodist founder John Wesley preached in Marsden in 1746, a strong Methodist congregation formed following his visit and the first Methodist Chapel was built in 1824. This no longer exists, but was followed by a later building which stood where the local school now stands.

The town of Marsden has lively streets crammed with interesting shops, pubs, cafe's and restaurants. It offers plenty of accommodation for tourists, and provides an ideal place to stay whilst discovering all that this splendid region has to offer. There are pleasant riverside walks along the waters of the Colne and Wessen where you can enjoy watching the life of the river and its abundance of wildlife. Add to this the glory of the nearby Marsden Moor Estate covering mile upon mile of beautiful countryside, rare wildlife and archaeology from pre-Roman times, and it becomes easy to see why Marsden is a treasured destination for walkers and nature lovers alike.

For those prefering brightlights there is the nearby city of Huddersfield, and Holmfirth, famous as the setting for " Last of the Summer Wine " is within easy driving distance from Marsden.