Historic treasures open their doors for 2014 Heritage Days

For a series of Heritage Open Days will see some of the town’s most historic and interesting buildings open their doors to the public.

From the “jewel in the crown’’ Towneley Hall to a number of churches, public buildings and even parks, the Heritage open days are a celebration of architecture, history and culture.

Organised by Burnley Civic Trust, with support from Burnley Council and the venues featured, the days are a great opportunity to discover the borough’s hidden secrets and many interesting features.

Did you know that General Scarlett, who led the Charge of the Heavy Brigade at Balaclava, is buried at St John’s Church in Cliviger? Or that St Stephen’s Church, which dates back to 1879, is one of the oldest in the town? These two churches will be featured in the open days along with historic St Peter’s Church, St Andrew’s, St Catherine’s and Mount Zion Church in Cliviger.

There will also be a chance to go behind the scenes at Burnley Town Hall and a servant will do some time travelling to let visitors know what life was like below stairs at Padiham’s Gawthorpe Hall in the 1890s.

Queen Street Textile Museum and the town’s Old Grammar School and Extwistle Hall will also be included in the tours.

The Weavers’ Triangle will also be in the spotlight with the opportunity to see a restored mill engine in the heart of the development.

The open days will be held between Wednesday and Sunday, September 10th to 14th, and a leaflet with all the information connected to the tours is now available at shops and other venues throughout the town. Anyone who would like more details can ring 01282 477112 or email [email protected]