Thornton

I had intended to have a good wander around the village of Thornton. By the time I'd walked from my car to the Brontë birthplace, however, I was freezing cold, despite wearing a thick, hooded coat and gloves. The winter sun was weak and the temperature barely above freezing so I decided to leave my exploration for a better day. I seem to feel the cold a lot more these days. Yet another of those things no-one ever tells you about getting older... 

I took a few photos along Market Street, where the Brontës lived during their time in Thornton. It used to be the main street through the village before the turnpike road (now the main Thornton Road) was constructed in 1829. Like most places, the older buildings have been infilled with newer ones and it's all a bit of a hotch-potch - and I think any 'market' and its site are long gone. Back Field (above) is a narrow alley, with cobbles and a central drain. The road surface must be higher than at one time, as further up there are old windows and doors, partially covered over:

The unusual building below is known locally as 'Coffin End' for obvious reasons. In the 1800s it was The Star Inn, one of three alehouses in the village. One of its former landlords was transported to Australia for the crime of stealing ten shillings. The structure illustrates the way the builders managed the steep terrain. At the lower end the building has three storeys whilst, behind, the adjoining cottages are much smaller.