Cliviger

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Cliviger is a small village and civil parish in Lancashire, England. It is situated to the south of Burnley and northwest of Todmorden.

[edit] Geography and administration

Cliviger is one of the civil parishes of Burnley and is the second largest parish in the United Kingdom. The source of the River Irwell, is located at Cliviger.

It was the home of legendary Burnley goalkeeper Jerry Dawson.

Currently represented on Burnley Borough Council by Michael Tattersall and David Hegginbotham (both of whom are affiliated with the Conservative Party), Cliviger is made up of five enumeration districts named Mereclough, Overtown, Walk Mill, Southward Bottom and Holme Chapel; the latter being regarded as the village centre, with a Primary School (St. John's) and the village hall.

The village is on one of the major transport links between Lancashire and West Yorkshire (the A646), and also had a major railway station until a major accident closed the station in 1909. Nowadays, it is mainly used as a commuter village for people working in Burnley.

[edit] History

In 1196 the village was known as Clivercher and in 1246 Clivacher, which means 'Sloping Acre'. During the mid 18th century it produced worsted pieces for the neighbouring town of Burnley. Cliviger gorge is renown for its natural beauty. An annual event is the Holme Sheep Fair, which is said to be one of the oldest village fairs in England.

St John the Divine Church in Holme Chapel was built in 1787 by Rev Dr Thomas Dunham Whitaker who was vicar of the parish from 1796 to 1821.

[edit] References