Can you solve John of Gaunt mystery
I wonder if I might ask readers for any information about the round plaque containing a figurehead of John of Gaunt, which is fixed to the gable of the row of shops at the end of Plumbe Street, opposite Burnley Miners’ Club.
Burnley Historical Society recently put on a talk about John of Gaunt. He was the 1st Duke of Lancaster, lived in the 14th century and was followed eventually,in the direct line, by the 26th Duke of Lancaster, our Queen. The plaque was referred to at the end of the talk but no one in the audience knew how it had got there, how long it has been there and why. Although Prince Charles visits us regularly I doubt if his ancestor came in his time, when Burnley was a very small village, so why celebrate him now? A historical mystery!
If there is any information, the society would be pleased to receive it at [email protected].
Raymond Pickles
Heckenhurst Avenue, Burnley