Rawtenstall
{{infobox England place with map|
Map= Bacup - Lancashire dot.png | Population= 22,000 | Place= Rawtenstall | District= Rossendale | County= Lancashire | Region= North West England | Ceremonial= Lancashire | Traditional= Lancashire | Police= Lancashire | Constituency= Rossendale and Darwen | Euro= North West England | PostalTown= ROSSENDALE | PostCode= BB4 | DiallingCode= 01706 | GridReference= SD808226Rawtenstall is a town and district of industrial origin located at the centre of the Rossendale Valley, Lancashire. Its neighbouring communities in the valley are Bacup, Haslingden and Ramsbottom. The area is bounded to the north by Loveclough and Whitewell Bottom, to the east by Waterfoot and Cowpe and to the south by Townsend Fold and Horncliffe. The River Irwell passes through the town on the first part of its route between Bacup and Manchester. The total population of the area is approximately 26,000. The Rossendale Valley's local newspaper, the Rossendale Free Press is based here. Over recent years the area has become increasingly popular with visitors, attracted by historic buildings, dramatic landscapes and fine walking country.
The name Rossendale literally means the valley of Roses, (Rossen- rose) (dale-valley), and many of the places within Rossendale still posses ancient names.Rossendale is believed by some to be one of the few areas of Britain populated in the Stone age era. Pagan dancers the Coconutters still dwell strong in the area, and many houses and buildings are allegedly built on sites of druidic worship. It was supposedly once one of the northern capitals and most spiritual places for the druids. In nearby Haslingden, one of the highest peaks in Lancashire, Anglo Saxon stones are still aligned to the planets in great boulders, it is claimed.
Rawtenstall also has one of the largest indoor markets in Rossendale (a sign declaring it to be "probably the friendliest market in the world") and is home to the North of England's largest dry ski-slope. Ski Rossendale is located five minutes outside of Rawtenstall town centre in the Oakenhead area, directly above Whittaker Park and Rossendale Museum.
It is also home to the traditional Herbalist and Temperance Bar Fitzpatrick's Herbal Health, who claim to be the oldest brewers of sarsaparilla and dandelion and burdock in the country. Fitzpatrick's gained television acclaim in April 2005 when managers Gareth "G" Hawden and Chris Law won The Famous Sarsaparilla taste-off on ITV.
Fitzpatrick's made the news again when the manager challenged Conservative Party leader Michael Howard to a fight during the 2005 general election campaign. Howard was so amused by this that he arranged a return visit to Rossendale. He is reported to be a great fan of Dandelion & Burdock, which he had not tasted for years prior to coming to what he described as "this lovely pub with no beer"
Rawtenstall was featured with Jane Horrocks in the television programme "Who Do You Think You Are?" which was aired on BBC2 at 9PM on 2nd February 2006.
On the 5 of July in 2005 the peaceful town was shocked when a policeman was shot, during a routine arrest. After the shooting an 18 hour armed siege ensued ending when police finally entered the house finding the shooter, Stephen Hensby, dead in his bedroom.*Rossendale Free Press
*Rossendale Borough Council
*Ski Rossendale
*Rossendale Rugby Union Club
*Rossendale United FC
*Rossendale Online
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