Broadhey Farm

Edward Evans wrote to the History Society about his family and their local farming history.

He explained that in the late 19^th century Broadhey was farmed by Thomas Henry and Elizabeth Joule. When they advertised for a farm manager, Edward’s grandfather,  Frederick Evans was living in Tilstock, Shropshire, and he successfully applied for the post. He met Grace Elizabeth, the Joule’s daughter whom he married and they had eight children; Thomas Evans was born in 1901, followed by Edward (Ted), Marjorie, Frederick (Eric) my father born 1909, Sam born 1912, Dorothy,  Barbara and John Lloyd  in 1921.  Frederick Evans later farmed at Yeardsley Hall, Branock (Brownhough) and Ringstones.

Edward Evans lived at 3 Yeardsley Lane until leaving for Lincolnshire in 1951.  His uncle, Sam farmed at Broadhey for many years before Rodney Evans took over the farm. Another uncle was Jack Hill of Diglee Farm; Nick Hill is his cousin. Another farming cousin is Christine of Goytside Farm in New Mills.

Thomas Henry Joule, born 1855 photographed at Broadhey and his wife Grace nee Lomas. She was presumably also known as Elizabeth, perhaps this was her middle name.

A Walk Over Broadhey Hill.

We will start our walk at Furness Vale Community Centre. We are only taking a short circular walk but will pass a number of places of interest.

The Community Centre began life in 1911 when the Jodrell family donated a plot of land on which to build a Village Institute. Opened in 1912, it offered a snooker room with two tables, reading room, library, meeting room, kitchen and bathroom.  For sixpence, villagers could take a hot bath at a time when few homes had that facility. Use of the building dwindled in the 1960s and after a refurbishment it re-opened as a Community Centre and Social Club. The snooker tables had been removed, a stage installed and a licensed bar opened. There have been further modifications including the recent opening of the Community Shop and Post Office.  This is of course, home to the History Society

Looking up Yeardsley Lane. The Institute is on the right

Heading uphill we pass a long row of cottages on the right hand side. These were built at various times in the mid to late 19^th century. The row of four cottages opposite,  dates from 1914. A modern bungalow is set back from the road on the site of four earlier bungalows. The only evidence of these in our archive is a photograph from the school garden, showing their rooftops.