Welcome to Padiham
The Borough’s second town is Padiham which existed well before the Norman Conquest. For hundreds of years it was a market town where produce from Pendleside was bought and sold. These days its hilly core still retains the characteristics of the early Industrial Revolution with its narrow winding lanes crossing at angles and cobbled alleyways running off into forgotten corners. This central core has now been made a conservation area and is well worth exploring.
From Memorial Park at the top of the town you will find surprises at every turn - Isles House where Oliver Cromwell stayed during the Civil War; the Art Deco Town Hall; St. Leonards Church; the Old School House and the Old Police Station; Huntroyde Gatehouse and Gawthorpe Hall. All of these tell the fascinating story of Padiham’s history and heritage.
Illustration by Dorothy Turner
Padiham is an ideal spot for a meal out with several new café’s opening along the high street to join the existing choice of good quality restaurants and pubs. The excellent choice of specialist shops including bridal wear, interior design and food shops wind up the hill and with attractions such as Gawthorpe Hall and Sherry’s Towel Mill, quiet riverside walks, band concerts, fun days and even a lantern procession Padiham is well worth a visit.
Changes in Padiham over the new few years will be led by Padiham Life which has successfully secured funding from the North West Development Agency to support the regeneration of Padiham and the surrounding areas under the Market Towns Initiative programme with it's focus on rural regeneration.
Further information on Padiham is available on the Padiham Life website www.padihamlife.org.uk or Tel. 01282 777778.
In the movie The Lord of the Rings the part of Gandalf the Grey - the legendary wizard is played by Burnley born Sir Ian McKellan.