THERE has been a settlement in Downham since long before the Norman Conquest.

In Anglo-Saxon, Down or Dun means a hill and Ham means Settlement, and Downham is still an unspoiled village set close to the majestic Pendle Hill.

The village was set on the old Roman road between Ribchester and Ilkley.

Close to the entrance to Downham Hall and on the road to Rimington is a rock said by some to be the gravestone of a Roman traveller, perhaps a soldier.

Choose your time and sit close to the old stocks and the Assheton Arms pub and listen to the sound of church bells.

Inside the church are bells said to have been removed from Whalley Abbey when it was "dissolved" (a better word would have been "demolished") on the orders of Henry VIII in 1537.

There is also a 16th century font given to the church by Abbot Paslew, the last monk in charge of Whalley.

Downham is still an estate village run by the Assheton family from Downham Hall.

Although modernised inside, the cottages along Main Street would still be recognised by an 18th century visitor.

They are close to the still-clear stream which runs through the village and which once supplied the residences with water.

Obviously now connected to the mains, the only residents relying on the stream are the flocks of mallards which are fed by visitors.

There is now a large car park on the outskirts of the village, but this is discreetly hidden.

So, too have been all traces of the TV documentary Born And Bred, which has made modern Downham famous.

Visit this splendid place on a quiet day and all its 18th century tranquility can be enjoyed to the full.

How little has changed!