Drive and Stroll, with Ron Freethy

"THERE is nothing to see at Ribchester except a few old stones from Roman times," I once heard somebody say.

I have two things to say in defence of this excellent village.

Firstly the Roman "stones" and the associated museum which was purpose-built in 1914 are of great interest and surrounded by glorious scenery.

Secondly, if you want to study the early history of industrial Lancashire then Ribchester is perfect.

Ribchester is a friendly place and there is a free car park in the village centre.

From the car park, near to the toilet block, I strolled along the main street which consists of old handloom weavers cottages.

Many of these have datestones, usually from the late 18th century. At this time the handloom weavers worked at home. From about 1820 people began to be employed in large factories.

Isn't it strange how life tends to come full circle because in the computer age we are all being encouraged to work from home? When handloom weaving gave way to machinery the initial power source was water.

A well-marked footpath from the village leading alongside the river to the Roman bath house reveals a series of dams and weirs.

This was once the power source for a number of waterwheels which drove the machines.

When water power have way to steam, Ribchester had a problem.

The cloth had to be taken to market and Blackburn and Burnley took over because, firstly these towns were on the canal and were later linked into the rail network. Ribchester was thus left suspended in a wonderful time warp.

There is a reasonable bus service to Ribchester these days and so you do not have to be a car owner to enjoy the place.

It is situated in wonderful walking country and is set directly on the Ribble Way.

I enjoyed two strolls in bright sunshine with a lunch break between at the White Bull, which bears the date 1707.

The porch is supported by four Roman stone pillars.

The River Ribble looked magnificent and sparkled in the sunshine. Swallows and sand martins hunted for flying insects while among the stones in the shallows, common sandpipers and grey wagtails fed on aquatic insects.

Those who enjoy village churches will find St Wilfrid's a delight.

In the days when many parish churches have to be kept locked for security reasons, it is good to see Ribchester taking the risk. Here, then, is a Drive and Stroll which has everything and for those with time to stop and stare there are lots of seats placed in sheltered areas facing the river.

A lovely place for a picnic but don't forget to take your litter home.