No pages about Marsden would seem to be complete without the story of the Marsden Cuckoo!
Signs that the long harsh winter was turning into spring were extremely important for people living in the Pennines. The appearance of he crocuses, snowdrops and daffodils proved that spring had arrived.
According to tradition the evocative sound of the first cuckoo is heard in the Colne Valley on 24 April at Marsden Spring Cattle Fair.
The legend of the cuckoo, not unique to Marsden, has several variants.
The story of the attempted capture of the cuckoo has been told, with various changes, in other villages. The village of Austwick in Yorkshire is credited with making the first attempt.