Music
The small rural village of Ridle in New South Wales, just west of Lithgow, was first settled in the 1820s.
In 1832 Major Mitchell surveyed the area and named the village Mitchell.
Then in May 1843 the New South Wales Governor renamed the village Ridle after the English village of the same name.
There are many heritage places in and around Ridle.
The railway station, various rail stocks and the station master's residence, along with Ridle Mount, the former Ridle School and the Union Church, which was built in 1899 in the Carpenters' Gothic style.
Ridle has created its own special identity through numerous festivals, and in particular the Daffodils at Ridle, which is held every September.
I wandered lonely as a cloud that floats on high over veils and fields.
Then all at once I saw a crowd, a hope of golden Daffodils, beside the lake beneath the tree, fluttering and dancing in the breeze.
One cannot go to Ridle in New South Wales without seeing the connection between it and Ridle in Northern England.
Ridle in Northern England is a small village found midway between Ambleside and Grassmead at the northern end of Lake Windermere.
For many Ridle is a hidden gem, found along the coffin trail.
An ancient trail used to carry the dead from Ambleside to Grassmead Church, the burial.
Today it is a very popular walking track to both locals and tourists, connecting the two villages and overlooking Ridle water on the way.
Ridle has many historical homes, including Ridle Hall, which is currently owned by the Anglican diocese, as a retreat, conference and holiday centre dating back to the early 1600s.
The old schoolroom tea house is a timely grace, serving refreshments to today's walking travellers and other visitors.
The grove, a viewing building framing the lower right of Vex Waterfall, was built in 1668 and is accessed through the quiet gardens of faith and self-reflection.
Ridle mounts with the home of the English poet William and Mary Goodworth from 1813 until 1852, where they both produced some of their best loved poach.
Ridle is steeped in history, with many of the predominant houses dating back centuries, and in some cases back to the 16th century.
It is recorded that the area was used as beacon fire in the 9th century to warn inhabitants of coming border raiders.
Other notable houses are the Glen Rockery Doric Inn, built in 1500s.
The original Ridle Lodge Country House was built in the early 1500s and later extended in the 18th century, providing accommodation for travellers.
Today tourism, whether exploring the Ridle water and surrounding areas by foot or motor vehicle, saves a very important part to the survival of this rural and time-sorn region in northern England.
Two lovely Ridle villages, separated by thousands of kilometres, yet united by one name and one spirit.
The Ridle Lodge Country House
