Manchester History & Heritage

Renaissance & Palladian Houses in North West England

Art Gallery & the Museum of Local Crafts & Industries,
Burnley, Lancashire.

Tel: 01282-424213.

This fine old house, owned by Burnley Borough Council, dates back to the 14th century, although there are 17th and 19th century modifications.

Its furnished rooms include a good example of an Elizabethan Long Gallery and a fine entrance hall with plasterwork by Vassali completed in 1729.

Collections include old oak furniture, as well as 18th and 19th century paintings, including a portrait of Charles Towneley by Zoffany.

Other loaned exhibitions are mounted throughout the summer months.

There is also a Museum of Local Crafts and Industries in the Old Brew House, a Natural History Centre, and an Aquarium on the grounds.

Many traditional local crafts and activities are displayed here, including Morris Dancing and Falconry.

Location
About ½ mile south-east of Burnley on the A671 Burnley-Todmorden Road.

Opening
Open all year round, Monday-Friday from 10.00am-5.00pm, and on Sundays from 12noon-5.00pm.

Closed Saturdays, and over the Christmas-New Year period. Admission Free.

Please check as times and admission may have changed.

Facilities
Refreshments are available at the café during the summer.

Books about Towneley Hall

Haigh Hall & Country Park

Near Wigan. Tel: 01942-832895

Once the manorial home of the Bradshaw (Bradshaigh) Family, Haigh Country Park lies in the former estate of Haigh Hall, open to the public as well as being used for functions, and is a delightful venue, particularly for families with young children.

The country park covers more than 250 acres, with a model village, children's playground and a narrow gauge steam railway, all set in wooded parkland and open air.

For adults there are golf ranges, as well as Mini Golf and Crazy Golf greens.

The so-called Haigh Plantations are worth a visit for the devoted horticulturist, as there are many miles of trails through gardens, park and woodland.

The Stables is an Arts & Craft Centre based at Haigh Country Park. Resident artists help visitors explore their creative talents.

Craft Fairs are held several times a year and every Sunday in December along with Father Christmas.

Several times a year there are major events held in the park, including a May Day Carnival, Motor Show, Town & Country Fairs, an August Carnival, and a seasonal visit by Father Christmas.

Location
Located about 3 miles north of Wigan centre off the A135239. Open daily with free entrance to the Park. An admission charge is payable for entry to the Hall and the model village.

 

Arley Hall & Gardens

Arley, Great Budworth, Near Northwich,
Cheshire CW9 6NA.
Tel: 01565-777353. Fax: 01565-777465.

This ancestral Hall, owned by Lord & Lady Ashbrook, though built as recently as 1840, stands on a site which has been occupied by the same family for some 500 years.

It is a fine example of early Victorian "Jacobean" style, and house a great deal of fine plasterwork and oak panelling, as well as a magnificent library, paintings, porcelain and furniture.

There is also a private family chapel designed by Anthony Salvin. One of its celebrated housekeepers was Elizabeth Raffald, the Manchester author.

It was here she met and married John Raffald, head gardener at Arley Hall for many years. Its 12 acre garden ranks as one of the best in Britain, and was winner of the Christie's "Garden of the Year" Award in 1987.

These old established gardens overlook beautiful parklands, and include a double herbaceous border established in 1846, a unique avenue of clipped Quercus Ilex in the shape of giant cylinders, a shrub rose collection, a walled garden, herb garden, scented garden, and a woodland garden which has been developed over the last 20 years with an interesting collection of exotic trees and shrubs including over 200 varieties of rhododendron. Various events held throughout the year.

The Library

Location
About 5 miles north of Northwich, 6 miles west of Knutsford and 7 miles south of Warrington, 5 miles off the M6 Motorway (exit Junctions 19 or 20), and 5 miles off the M56 Motorway (exit Junctions 9 or 10). Nearest main roads A49 and A50. Well signposted off the A556 or A559.

Opening
Open April-September 12noon to 5.00pm, Tuesdays to Sundays. Closed Mondays except Bank Holidays. Guided tours (15+ persons) at other times by prior arrangement. Times may have changed - please check before setting off.

The Grand Staircase

Admission
There is a small charge for entry to Gardens and to the Hall - children and senior citizens go at a reduced price. Please telephone to check prices before setting out.

Facilities
Refreshments - licensed light lunches and teas in the converted Tudor Barn. Shop and plant nursery. Craft workers. Woodland walk. Toilets. Facilities for the disabled (toilets and ramps). Picnic area. Dogs allowed in the gardens on a lead.

Books about Arley Hall