The hall and much of the park was acquired in 1902 and this image, taken from a past card dated, 1906, reminds is that a large part of the current park was once agricultural land.The hall and much of the park was acquired in 1902 and this image, taken from a past card dated, 1906, reminds is that a large part of the current park was once agricultural land.
The hall and much of the park was acquired in 1902 and this image, taken from a past card dated, 1906, reminds is that a large part of the current park was once agricultural land.

The history of Burnley's Towneley Park in pictures

Our retro picture gallery this weeks looks at the ‘jewel in Burnley’s crown’, Towneley Park.
By Dominic Collis
Published 1st Dec 2022, 15:45 BST

Local historian Roger Frost has delved into the archives of Burnley Civic Trust for some fascinating photographs and history of the park.

He said: “Towneley Park is not only for summer, it can be just as interesting in the winter. Incredible but Towneley Park dates from 1490 when Sir John Towneley enclosed his lands there for hunting.

“The park was landscaped in the eighteenth century, not by Capability Brown but by one of his followers. The ha ha still survives as do some of the plantings, like the Avenue of trees in front of the Hall, which is over 250 years old.

“In this article we have covered some of the things that can be seen in the park, but the Hanbrig entrance buildings, the Local History Museum, which is housed in the former brewery, and the Stables, now used for refreshments, will be the focus of another article in the series. As yet, we have not entered the Hall itself but, as you will know, there is plenty to see there.”

“The park was landscaped in the eighteenth century, not by Capability Brown but by one of his followers. The ha ha still survives as do some of the plantings, like the Avenue of trees in front of the Hall, which is over 250 years old.

Towneley is not noted for its floral displays but, between the hall and the Walled Garden, is land which was formerly an orchard. Each year attractive floral displays can be seen here.

5. Floral

Towneley is not noted for its floral displays but, between the hall and the Walled Garden, is land which was formerly an orchard. Each year attractive floral displays can be seen here. Photo: S

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This is the Foldy’s Cross which, though dating from 1520 and originally sited in the churchyard at St Peter’s, was, after it was damaged in some riotous behaviour, was rescued by Charles Towneley and Dr Thomas Dunham Whitaker, repaired and placed in the Park for safe keeping.

6. Foldy's Cross

This is the Foldy’s Cross which, though dating from 1520 and originally sited in the churchyard at St Peter’s, was, after it was damaged in some riotous behaviour, was rescued by Charles Towneley and Dr Thomas Dunham Whitaker, repaired and placed in the Park for safe keeping. Photo: S

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Just before the First World War the Foldy’s Cross, which takes is name from a sixteenth century chantry priest, John del Folds, was moved to its present site at the top of the Lime Avenue, where, restored, it can be seen today.

7. Foldy's Cross

Just before the First World War the Foldy’s Cross, which takes is name from a sixteenth century chantry priest, John del Folds, was moved to its present site at the top of the Lime Avenue, where, restored, it can be seen today. Photo: S

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This image is taken from a postcard used in 1928. It shows one of the park’s shelters and the long walk which connects the Hall to Todmorden Road via the Clubhouse of the Municipal Golf Club.

8. Shelter

This image is taken from a postcard used in 1928. It shows one of the park’s shelters and the long walk which connects the Hall to Todmorden Road via the Clubhouse of the Municipal Golf Club. Photo: S

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