The peaceful village of Cragg Vale harbours a dark secret. In the 18th century it was the den of a cartel of currency counterfeiters known as the Cragg Vale Coiners. They were led by the enigmatic 'King David' Hartley and their activities became so prolific, they were said to have threatened to ruin Britain's currency.
The gang were betrayed by one of their own in 1769 and 30 of its members were arrested. David Hartley was hanged at Tyburn, near York, the following year. His body is buried in the village of Heptonstall.
Today, you can use your hard earned currency in the Hinchliffe Arms, which serves seasonal pub food. The village is a good base for many excellent hikes on the Calderdale Moors, including to the splendid Stoodley Pike.