Ponden Kirk
The Kirk is an outcrop of rock at the end of Ponden Clough. It is framed by waterfalls on both side and well known in local legend. At the base of the outcrop is a square cave that runs under the whole of the Kirk. It is just wide enough to crawl through and has been known as an ancient pagan fertility site. The Christianisation of the UK brought with it changes to traditional stories and the modern version tells that anyone passing through the hole will be married within a year, which isnt quite as racy !
It is known as the Fairy cave and was made internationally famous with its inclusion in Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë.
"Catherine told Hareton who she was, and where she was going; and asked him to show her the way: finally, beguiling him to accompany her. He opened the mysteries of the Fairy Cave, and twenty other queer places. "
'Kirk' is old Norse for church or meeting place but can also be used to describe important outcrops. Many place names around here retain their Norse heritage.
It is known as the Fairy cave and was made internationally famous with its inclusion in Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë.
"Catherine told Hareton who she was, and where she was going; and asked him to show her the way: finally, beguiling him to accompany her. He opened the mysteries of the Fairy Cave, and twenty other queer places. "
'Kirk' is old Norse for church or meeting place but can also be used to describe important outcrops. Many place names around here retain their Norse heritage.