Spent yesterday morning at the Slaidburn Archive in the Heritage Centre: lots of information for local historians of the Hodder Valley, particularly about the Great Emigration: between 1683 -1715 43 adults and more children emigrated from the Quaker Settle Monthly Meeting, mostly from the Bowland area. The first party reached the New World a week before William Penn and his group.

On the way up to Slaidburn I reflected on how we view those trying to get to this country across the Mediterranean; in the grand sweep of history its not that long since our ancestors were the ones seeking a better and freer life.

The archive is based in the Heritage Centre, 25 Church St and is open 11 – 3 pm on Wednesdays and Fridays (01200 446161)