From the archive collection of the late Alan Spencer, this is just one of many local views Alan captured so well on film during the post-war period.

There is no doubt whatsoever that this evocative corner of West Craven is a true gem among the hundreds of Alan's portfolio that have survived.

Esp Lane is one of Barnoldswick's most time-honoured places with its ancient stone-built cottages complete with their grey slate roofs and stone-canopied doorways. Well-known Barnoldswick families who have lived in Esp Lane include the Fawcetts who were the owners of the whole row, the Bracewells, Brindles and Youngs. Opposite the cottages were the stone outside toilets and coal houses which today have been demolished.

The town of Barnoldswick has fared so much better than Colne or Nelson in preserving architecture of the past and in today's 21st Century, still has some marvellous buildings and places which evoke the true spirit of days gone by.