 The name is first recorded in about 1160 as "Rodtholfeswrtha", suggesting a derivation meaning "the homestead of Hrothwulf".The Roddlesworth runs through a wooded valley close to the settlements of Tockholes, Roddlesworth, Abbey Village and Stanworth before joining the River Darwen close to Feniscowles.Finnington Brook joins close to where the Roddlesworth itself falls into the River Darwen.