Holcombe, Greater Manchester facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Holcombe |
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 The Peel Monument above Holcombe |
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 Holcombe
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| Population | 248 |
| OS grid reference | SD785165 |
| Metropolitan borough | |
| Metropolitan county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | BURY |
| Postcode district | BL0 |
| Dialling code | 01706 |
| Police | Greater Manchester |
| Fire | Greater Manchester |
| Ambulance | North West |
| EU Parliament | North West England |
| UK Parliament |
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Holcombe is a small village in the Metropolitan Borough of Bury in Greater Manchester, England. It is located near other towns like Haslingden, Edgworth, Ramsbottom, and Tottington. The name Holcombe comes from old words. cwm is a Celtic word meaning valley, and hol is an Old English word meaning deep or hollow.
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Exploring Holcombe Village
Holcombe village sits on the side of a hill called Holcombe Moor. This area is very popular for outdoor activities.
Nature and Activities
A lot of the moorland around Holcombe is looked after by the National Trust. This means it's a great place for people who enjoy walking, cycling, and watching birds. The buildings in Holcombe are mostly old stone cottages and farms.
Local Places
In the village, you can find a traditional English pub called the Shoulder of Mutton. There is also a restaurant, a church, and a primary school. In the past, Holcombe also had a shop and a post office. A local radio station, "TOWER FM 107.4fm", serves Holcombe and a nearby village called Holcombe Brook.
Annual Events
Holcombe is also known for its Annual Gamecock Show. This event takes place every New Year's Day in the nearby town of Ramsbottom.
Holcombe Hall Today
Since 1973, a building called Holcombe Hall has been home to Darul Uloom Al-Arabiyyah Al-Islamiyyah. This was the first Islamic school for higher education in the United Kingdom.
Holcombe's Past
Holcombe has a long and interesting history, with many old landmarks and stories.
Ancient History
Historically, Holcombe was a small settlement within the larger area of Tottington. The Pilgrim's Cross in Holcombe Moor shows where a very old cross stood in the 12th century. During the Middle Ages, important court meetings for the Royal Manor of Tottington were held in Holcombe. In the Tudor period, Holcombe even had a small ironworks.
The Holcombe Hunt
Holcombe is home to the Holcombe Hunt, a very old group of harriers (a type of hunting dog). This group has been based in Holcombe for over 200 years. In 1617, the Holcombe Pack was taken to Hoghton Tower when King James I visited. The King gave them special permission to hunt in 12 townships and to wear his royal red uniform. In 1985, the Hunt was given its own coat of arms.
Important Buildings
Holcombe Hall was built in 1846 as a large country house for the Aitken family. Later, it was used as a sanatorium, a type of hospital for long-term care. In 1852, a tall tower was built as a monument to Sir Robert Peel, an important British politician. Emmanuel Church, located on Chapel Lane, was built in 1853. It is a Grade II listed building, meaning it is historically important. The church gives its name to the nearby Emmanuel Church of England primary school.
World War I Air Raid
On the evening of September 25, 1916, Holcombe experienced one of the first air attacks in history. A German airship called L21, commanded by Kurt Frankenburg, dropped five bombs on the village. This happened while the airship was on its way to Bolton. The village post office and school were damaged. The Shoulder of Mutton pub was also hit, and villagers took shelter in its cellars. Three bombs fell near the church, causing some damage to its windows.
Television Appearances
Between 1977 and 1995, the British Army Rifle Range training course at Holcombe Moor was used for a challenge on the television series The Krypton Factor.
