Park Hill

Heritage Site in Lancashire Pendle

England

Park Hill

Barrowford Reservoir, drained The reservoir, which serves the Leeds and Liverpool Canal rather than public water supply, was not empty because of the 2022 drought, but because it had been deliberately drained down in autumn 2021 for a year-long contract to stabilise the embankment. A short section of the canal nearby was also drained for maintenance at the same time. — Barrowford Reservoir, drained Credit: Stephen Craven

Park Hill is a historic landmark located in Lancashire, England. This heritage site holds significant cultural and historical importance to the local community and visitors alike. Situated amidst lush greenery and rolling hills, Park Hill offers a serene and picturesque setting.

Originally built in the 18th century, Park Hill is a well-preserved example of Georgian architecture. The main building is a magnificent mansion characterized by its elegant design, grand entrance, and symmetrical layout. The intricate detailing on the exterior, with its ornate windows and decorative elements, showcases the craftsmanship of the era.

The interior of Park Hill is equally impressive, with spacious rooms adorned with exquisite period furnishings, luxurious tapestries, and stunning artwork. Each room has been meticulously preserved to reflect the grandeur and opulence of the Georgian era. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich history of the mansion while exploring the various chambers, including the drawing room, library, and dining hall.

The surrounding grounds of Park Hill are equally captivating. The well-manicured gardens, complete with ornamental flower beds, tranquil ponds, and winding pathways, provide a tranquil setting for visitors to unwind and take in the natural beauty of the estate. The expansive parkland offers ample space for leisurely strolls or picnics, providing a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Park Hill serves as a testament to Lancashire's rich heritage and offers a window into the past. Its architectural beauty, coupled with its stunning natural surroundings, makes it a must-visit attraction for history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and nature admirers alike.

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Park Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 53.852/-2.205 or Grid Reference SD8639. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Barrowford Reservoir, drained

The reservoir, which serves the Leeds and Liverpool Canal rather than public water supply, was not empty because of the 2022 drought, but because it had been deliberately drained down in autumn 2021 for a year-long contract to stabilise the embankment. A short section of the canal nearby was also drained for maintenance at the same time.

Stephen Craven

Caspers Fold, Francis Avenue, Higherford

The house bears a datestone of 2000.

Stephen Craven

Defibrillator on the corner of Francis Avenue

These devices are normally found on the wall of public buildings, but here is one on a post by the street in an area of housing.

Stephen Craven

Bus shelter and old phone box

Located at the junction of Barnoldswick Road and Gisburn Road in Higherford. The phone box appears disused. Street furniture here also includes a grit bin and litter bin.

Stephen Craven

Road sign in Higherford

Located at the junction of Barnoldswick Road and Gisburn Road; the sign also points to Nelson in the opposite direction. Milestone Society National ID: LA_SD8640

Stephen Craven

Old mill, Gisburn Road, Higherford

The 1912 map shows this as a corn mill. It's probably too high above the river to have been water powered. Now in private hands, a 2015 proposal for 'brownfield' development on the site was not approved. SD8640 : Old mill on Gisburn Road, Barrowford shows it from the other direction.

Stephen Craven

Former Catholic church, Gisburn Road, Higherford

The name on the sign board is 'Parish of the Good Shepherd' but other contributors name the building itself as St Peter & St Paul's. A local website says that it was built from 1897, the first service registers being from 1902, but closed for worship in 2019. It appears no new use has been found yet.

Stephen Craven

Detail of Gisburn Road bridge, Higherford

An inscription 'C C Higherford Bridge' and an OS cut benchmark (shown on the 1912 map as 437.9ft). It was built in 1807. See SD8640 : Higherford Bridge and Mill for a side view of the bridge.

Stephen Craven

Former cotton mill, Higherford

Listed grade II (List entry 1271499) where it is dated to 'c.1844, incorporating elements of an earlier C19 mill, with further additions of 1882, and C20 alterations'. The main weaving shed seen in SD8640 : Grimshaw's (Higherford) Mill is claimed to be the oldest surviving example of its kind. Note the iron beam and high level doorway, presumably for loading bales of cotton from road vehicles.

Stephen Craven

Listed cottages, Foreside, Higherford

Listed grade II (List entry 1073432) where the oldest is dated to 1755.

Stephen Craven

Crowtree Cottage, Foreside, Higherford

Listed grade II (List entry 1273168) where it is dated to the mid-18th century. The large number of windows at first floor level suggests it was used for weaving.

Stephen Craven

Th' Owd Brig at Higherford

This is described by Margaret Slack (Ref.1) as 'One of the most attractive packhorse bridges in [the Pennines] ...standing on the direct line of the Roman Road from Castercliffe to Ribchester. It was crossed by teams of packhorses bringing coal from near Gisburn and ... lime from Lothersdale.' She adds that the date of the bridge is not known with certainty, but probably late 16th century. The bridge crosses Pendle Water, draining the steep eastern scarp of that great hill, and subject to flash flooding; Slack relates a story that a bell used to hang from the bridge that rang a warning when water approached flood level. Listed grade II *(List entry 1273194) and a Scheduled Monument. Originally it would have had no, or very low, parapets to allow ponies with low-hanging panniers to cross; the present parapets were added in 1815. (1) 'The Bridges of Lancashire and Yorkshire', Margaret Slack, 1986.

Stephen Craven

Gisburn Road bridge, Higherford

This road bridge over Pendle Water was erected in 1807 to supersede the old packhorse bridge, which still stands but closed to motor traffic SD8640 : Th' Owd Brig at Higherford.

Stephen Craven