Stones

From the late 18th Century to the time of the First World War quarrying was a major industry in Rossendale, Lancashire, Northern England. The quarries employed thousands of men and Rossendale stone was exported in huge quantities throughout the UK and beyond.

Rossendale is truly the Valley of Stone. Stone shaped its hills and valleys. Its towns and villages are built from locally quarried stone, as are the countless drystone walls that criss-cross its countryside.

From the late 18th Century to the time of the First World War quarrying was a major industry in Rossendale. The quarries employed thousands of men and Rossendale stone was exported in huge quantities throughout the UK and beyond.

Stones is a choral piece for male voices specially composed and performed by the Rossendale Male Voice Choir to accompany an additional visual arts exhibition Valley of Stone: An Artists’ Celebration of the Rossendale Quarrying Heritage. Commissioned by Horse and Bamboo Theatre Company. Supported by Arts Council England, Horse and Bamboo Theatre Company, Pennine Groundwork and English Heritage.

Further information: www.valleyofstone.org.uk