History
The name "Read" is a contraction of an Old English term meaning "roe (deer) headland."
The old village developed in the 16th century along the main mediaeval road between Whalley and Padiham.
The Battle of Read Old Bridge was fought in 1643 between a Royalist force and Parliamentarians, resulting in the downfall of the Lancashire Royalist cause.
Royalist forces of about 4,000 and commanded by the Earl of Derby, had taken Whalley. The forces of Parliament, only about 400 in number.
The Royalists had to use Read Old Bridge. When the Royalists approached the bridge they faced musket fire which made them retreat in confusion.
The Royalists gave Whalley and in doing so about 400 largely untrained soldiers beat 4,000 men winning Lancashire for Parliament.
Read more about this topic: Read, Lancashire
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