A Gentle Stroll in the Park with Barbara, Boggarts & Bridges!

The rain started on cue as 15 SPAG members began an evening stroll round Towneley Park on St. Swithin’s Day.  Our first stop was the late medieval cross, known as Foldys Cross after John Foldys, a chaplain who died in 1520.  On the original moulded top is a remarkable 16^th century carving of Christ on the cross.

Walking down through the park towards the Hall we stopped to admire the Towneley Oak.  At over 400 years old it is the oldest tree in Burnley.  The tree was pollarded  over many years and this has ensured its survival as the healthy specimen we see today.

Next stop the War Memorial.  Unveiled in 1926 this moving memorial to the many who lost their lives in the First World War has sculptures symbolic of the Navy, Army and Air Force.

Standing in front of Towneley Hall, most of which is currently hidden behind scaffolding for the extensive refurbishment, we learned a little about the Towneley Family  who lived in the Hall. In the 1600s, as staunch Catholics they suffered heavy fines because they refused to give up their faith.  Catholic priests  risked their lives by giving mass to the family and in the early 1700s there were several Priest Holes in the building which can still be seen today.

The Grade II listed stables were next on the list. Built in 1790 the building was converted into a cafe in 1951.

In the 19^th century an Ice House was constructed  just up the hill from the Stables.  Before ice makers were invented the servants would cut ice blocks from a frozen pond in winter and store it deep underground in this brick and stone structure.  Tasty frozen desserts were often on the menu for the Towneleys. The Ice House has now been commandeered by a colony of bats.

Beware of Boggarts!Our last feature involved a demonic creature known as a Boggart, once one of England’s most mysterious and fearful supernatural beings.  Before we crossed over Boggart Bridge we gave thanks to the hen which gave its soul to the Boggart to ensure that we could safely cross back up to Foldys Cross and the end of our walk.