Shawforth is a historic hamlet that grew around a railway station and lies along the A671 road, nestled within the South Pennines beside the River Spodden.
OL12 8HW
District: OL 12
4
in this postcode
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46,225
district estimate
Shawforth is a ward in the township of Whitworth within the Rossendale borough of Lancashire, England. It lies amongst the South Pennines along the course of the River Spodden and A671 road. In the Middle Ages Shawforth was a hamlet within the township of Spotland and parish of Rochdale. A railway station served Shawforth from the 19th century, linking the locality to wider transport routes. The area is characterised by its rural setting, with the surrounding hills of the South Pennines and the river providing a natural backdrop. The A671 road offers connectivity to nearby towns, while the legacy of the railway station hints at historical connectivity. Residents benefit from a quiet, village‑like environment with access to the broader Rossendale borough and its amenities. The postal district OL 12 places Shawforth within the wider postal region of Oldham and Rochdale, indicating its proximity to larger urban centres. The locality’s heritage as a hamlet and its continued status as a ward reflect a blend of historical roots and modern administrative structure.