We're off to see the Wizard....of Whirlaw. William Holt. Todmorden

One of the most famous names to come out of Todmorden in the 20th century was William Holt.... author, painter, teacher, stunt man, radio personality, and much much more. known as a great eccentric, Holt travelled the world with his horse Trigger. Amongst his novels was The Wizard of Whirlaw published in 1959. This was a book set amongst the rocky moorlands of Whirlaw above Todmorden and described at the time as a modern-day Wuthering Heights. Celebrating the novel and its location, a huge carved 'Easter Island' style head appeared known as The Wizard of Whirlaw. It has also gone on to inspire folklore on the hillside, with stories saying the wizard sleeps there today either in a cave or down in the heather, waiting for the call to awaken.