Mikes meanderings

We headed off to look at the architecture of East Lancashire first by looking at a preindustrial revolution village of Barrowford. Very interesting sandstone buildings dating to the 15th century with cobled paths. Barrow ford has 17th and 18th century farmhouses and hand loom weavers' cottages alongside of 19th and 20th century mills

This is a Jacobean house from 1696. It became a Working Man's club where young men who wanting to join had say tongue twisters before they could join.

These were interesting as they were back to back houses

Packhorse Bridge is the oldest bridge in Barrowford and dates back to end of 16th century.

Park Hill, now home of the Pendle Heritage Centre, was the family home of Bannisters from the 15th century until recently. Roger Bannister, who ran the first 4-minute mile, is a descendent of this local family. The current buildings were constructed in the 17th century.

John Wesley preached from this bridge because the vicar would not let him preach in the church.

In 1774 John Wesley had to hide in what is now the White Bear Inn when he was chased by a local mob who had been whipped up by the local churches. The building was built 1607 and used to be home of the cotton king John Hargreaves

After Barrowford we went to Gawthorpe Hall which is a superb Jacobean historic house, nestled in the shadow of Pendle Hill, east Lancashire. Built between 1600 - 1605 for the Shuttleworth Family it had an iconic and important role in the local area. It was of particular interest because Mike had worked there for three years cataloging the huge collection.

It is thought the origin of this house was a pele tower, a strong fortification built by the Shuttleworth family in 14th century to keep out invading scots the Elizabethan house was dovetailed around the peel tower. Mike gave us a personal tour of the house which included a beautiful textile display.

In the evening Mike's brother Paul and his wife Ed came over for tea. It's was good to meet another cousin!