Category Archives: Victorian Lancashire
Rufford Old Hall, West Lancashire
The Heskeths received their estate and manor at Rufford by marrying into the Fitton family. Maud Fitton brought the land and title in the late 1200 and early 1300s. This was to be the Hesketh’s main powerbase, although they had … Continue reading
Turton Curiosities, Turton Tower, Bolton
The nine acres of grounds around Turton Tower contain a whole host of historical features mostly from its Victorian era, although the tower itself stretches back to Tudor and Medieval times. The grounds and tea rooms are open all year around, with … Continue reading
Preston Dock Curiosities
Preston Dock was constructed in late Victorian times. Now converted into Preston Marina, there are still historical artefacts around from its days as a dock, if you know where to look. Despite the fact that Preston is some 16 miles from the sea, the … Continue reading
Posted in Canal Buildings,, Victorian Lancashire
Tagged Albert Edward Dock, Preston Dock, Preston Marina, Preston Riversway
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Three Lancashire Museums to Reopen!
Good news at last on the fate of three of the four remaining closed Lancashire Museums. Lancashire County Council has announced that Helmshore Textile Mills, Queen Street Mill in Burnley and Judges’ Lodgings in Lancaster will open on Fridays, Saturdays and … Continue reading
Grants Tower, Ramsbottom, Bury
Grants Tower is built at Top o’ th’ Hoof, Ramsbottom. It stands on the spot where the Grant family are said to have first looked down on the Irwell Valley, on their arrival in 1783. They had embarked on an epic trek in … Continue reading
Turton Tower, Chapeltown, Near Bolton
In the early 1400s a Pele tower was built on a high commanding spot in Turton. It was a three story rectangular defendable structure, with four foot thick walls and narrow windows. This was a turbulent time with the possibility of raiders coming down … Continue reading
Holker House and Darwen Heritage Centre, Darwen
Holker House was built in 1871 for Dr. George Hindle who named it after his family home in nearby Hoddlesden. It is a grand structure, built of finely cut stone in the ‘Italianate’ style. However, the site of the house was initially less appealing. … Continue reading
Towneley Hall, Burnley
The first hall was built at Towneley in 1380 and was a large open barn-like medieval building, similar to the ones still seen at Smithills in Bolton and Warton Old Rectory near Carnforth. Seventy years later the huge south wing with its very thick … Continue reading
Tottington Dungeon, Bury
The Tottington Dungeon is an early Victorian town lock up. It was built in 1835 next the original Dungeon Inn, (the current one is now located further up the road.) The dungeon is thought to have been originally managed by the … Continue reading
Stonyhurst Hall and College
Richard Shireburn inherited the estate at Stonyhurst in 1537. He decided to do away with most of the medieval buildings to construct a bigger, grander hall. He held important posts in the county- at various times he was a magistrate, … Continue reading
