Category Archives: Uncategorized

Bawming the Thorn in Appleton, Cheshire

Posted on May 15, 2020 by LancashireFolk

Photo credit: Warrington Museum & Art Gallery ‘Bawming the Thorn’ is a lovely traditional ceremony held at Appleton each year. The term ‘bawming’ comes from the old English word ‘bawm’ which means to adorn or anoint. The ‘thorn’ is a … Continue reading →

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Walton Hall, Warrington

Posted on May 9, 2020 by LancashireFolk

Walton Hall, on Walton Lea Road, was built between 1836 and 1838 and is a Grade II listed building. The Greenall family bought the estate in 1814, their wealth the result of the family brewing business founded by Thomas Greenall … Continue reading →

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The Winwick Pig

Posted on April 6, 2020 by LancashireFolk

On the exterior of St. Oswald’s Church in Winwick, Warrington, are two figures representing St. Oswald and St. Antony. Just to the side of St. Antony’s foot is another little carving, worn with time, which some believe to be a … Continue reading →

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Alderman Hill and Alphin Pike

Posted on May 23, 2018 by LancashireFolk

Alphin Pike These high points near Saddleworth (near Manchester) were named after the two giants who made their homes there; Alphin and Alderman. They were friendly with each other at first, until they both fell in love with Rimmon, a … Continue reading →

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The Davenport Arms, Woodford

Posted on March 15, 2018 by LancashireFolk

This charming 18th century red-brick pub on Chester Road is more commonly referred to as ‘The Thief’s Neck’. This nickname refers to the insignia on the coat of arms of the Davenport family, which include a representation of a man … Continue reading →

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A Series of Terrible Events at Winstanley Hall

Posted on March 8, 2018 by LancashireFolk

Winstanley Hall, in Wigan, was built by the Winstanley family who had owned the land here since at least the 13th century. The oldest part of the present hall was built in the middle of the 15th century. Other wings … Continue reading →

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Strange and Haunted Trees

Posted on February 22, 2018 by LancashireFolk

Folklore Thursday’s theme for today is ‘Trees’ – I had no problem finding several remarkable trees in Lancashire and it was delightful to have a reason to gather them all together. Enjoy! There are several hills around Carnforth; indeed the … Continue reading →

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Bryn Hall and the Holy Hand

Posted on November 9, 2017 by LancashireFolk

Bryn Hall, in Ashton-in-Makerfield, is well-known for the legend of the Holy Hand which was kept here for decades, reverently wrapped in a white silk bag. This hand was a relic of martyred priest Father Arrowsmith, who was killed in … Continue reading →

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Bowdon Church and the Mummy’s Hand

Posted on November 2, 2017 by LancashireFolk

There’s a Victorian tale about a Bowdon lady who visited Egypt and brought home a gruesome souvenir; a mummy’s hand. She displayed it proudly in her drawing-room under a glass dome and it was, no doubt, an intriguing conversation piece. … Continue reading →

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The Tale of Fox Robin

Posted on September 24, 2017 by LancashireFolk

St Peter’s Church, Westleigh In Westleigh, Greater Manchester, Fox Robin is a well-known name. Fox Robin was a farmer and Fox Robin Fold was his farm; the land was bought in recent years by Westleigh High School and is now … Continue reading →

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