Hill-Bagging

By Dugswell2

Footpath Near Old Hall Farm, Cow Hill

I did a circular walk in bright sunshine around Cow Hill this afternoon. Not one cow was seen during this flat walk. So why is it called Cow Hill ?
This footpath takes you around the back of Old hall Farm which is now just a house, back towards Grimsargh, a little south of the entrance to Grimsargh House.
Answer
Before recorded history, Grimsargh features in legend. A disastrous drought affected the area and the country folk were starving. A mysterious and enormous Dun Cow was roaming the fields now known as Cow Hill. This cow had a seemingly unending supply of milk. She provided milk for all who milked her in the open field. But a wicked witch, who wished to cause distress, came and milked the cow into a sieve, her purpose to milk the cow completely dry .The poor thing collapsed and died exhausted. Her skeleton was venerated for generations and to this day an enormous rib is mounted over the door of a house on the outskirts of Longridge built in 1616 - the 'Owd Rib'. Grimsargh Hall has its own portion of rib mounted over its front door.

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