Description
Butterworth’s history and description of Saddleworth was first published in 1828. The first part of the work is a general history of the district from the earliest times. The author starts with a description in the most romantic and imaginative terms of the druids who he asserts must have originally inhabited the district and how Pots and Pans must surely have served as an druidical altar. On firmer historical ground he draws together the work of earlier writers to put together the first competent history of the district. But the real value of the book is his description of Saddleworth in the 1820s. Butterworth describes each village in turn, often remarking on individual buildings, occasionally mentioning a particular notable resident. His description of the Saddleworth scenery is picturesque and often breaks into verse to emphasise its grandeur.
This edition is a facsimilie reprint of the original by the Society with an introduction by Professor Robert Poole which sets the work in its historical context and provides a biography of Butterworth the man. It is is available in hardback or a luxary leather bound limited edition.
