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Welcome to the Golcar Lily Day website

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Golcar has been described as an "Italianate" village because of its position on a hill with church at the top and streets winding around the sides while former Poet Laureate Sir John Betjamen once described Golcar as resembling Provence in France.

The name Golcar has been said to originate from from the monk St Guthlac who was a well known ascetic in the 7th century. However, most churches dedicated to Guthlac are in the east Midlands and whether he came to Yorkshire is a matter of some doubt.The theory is that Guthlac preached on the scar in Golcar (think of Scar Lane and Scar Top) which became Guthlac's Scar and eventually Golcar.

Another theory for the origin of the name comes from the invasion of the Vikings who arrived on the west coast after sailing around Scotland and gradually made their way across the Pennines. One of their leaders was Guthlag. Add this to Norse names such as ‘kjar’ meaning a wood and you again get to Guthlagkjar and Golcar.

Whatever the origins of the name there is no doubt that Golcar has existed for a very long time. The area was given by William the Conqueror to Ilbert de Lacy and was named in the Domesday Book as Guldescar.

The "lily" part of Golcar Lily Day is also a matter of some controversy. Local Golcar folk are often referred to as Golcar Lilies and there are several explanations, one is that the clear air in Golcar before the industrial revolution gave the local girls bright, smooth complexions, similar to lilies. Locals who remember the time when we had proper winters might think that storm ravaged, weather beaten skin was more likely!

Another view is that preacher John Wesley visited the area and said the girls of Golcar were as beautiful as lilies. But should a good Methodist have been thinking so much about young girls? And finally there is the theory that the Huguenots who left Europe in the 16th century arrived in the Colne Vally and brought with them their Lily emblem which became adopted by the locals.

But whatever the origins of the words Golcar Lily Day is an interesting and enjoyable day out.

If you would like to be involved with the organisation of Golcar Lily Day go to 'Volunteers' on the menu on the left.