After our recent visit to Halifax, I discovered the Calderdale Literary Map. I didn't expect any surprises. I thought there would be references to Ted Hughes, Sylvia Plath, the Bronte's, Anne Lister and Simon Armitage, but I certainly didn't expect Edmund Spenser! What a surprise to discover that Edmund Spenser, the renowned poet of the English Renaissance, had links with the area around Burnley.
Although Spenser was born in London in 1552, historical references demonstrate that his family originated in Lancashire, spefically the village of Hurstwood near Burnley. It is very likely that Spenser was related to the Spenser family of Hurstwood Hall. It is also very likely that he lived in the village of Hurstwood (where there is still a Spenser House) during his early writing years. There is a romantic legend that he wanted to marry a local girl, from nearby Towneley Hall, but that she wanted "now't to do with a poet" so he left Lancashire to seek his fortune in London!
I'm not going to write anymore because I have just booked us a night at Hurstwood Hall, so that we can explore the village and seek out the region's link to this wonderful poet.
Below are some photos of our beautiful edition of The Shepheard's Calendar, illustrated by Walter Crane.
