Perspective on the Past
A fascinating photographic exhibition highlighting Leyland’s rich cultural heritage was on show in November and December 2024 at The Atrium, Worden Hall. “Perspectives on the Past” staged by the Leyland u3A Photography Group displayed images of buildings and landmarks across the town with a brief comment on their history. Members have been selecting a subject, researching its history and honing their photography skills in order to capture the images now on display. The results of their efforts are truly spectacular with beautiful images inviting viewers to discover the stories of Leyland’s protected landmarks.These are those images.
Canon EOS R5 • f9 • 1/40 • ISO 200
Lisieux Hall
Formerly Crook Hall, is a medieval manor house on Dawson Lane, Chorley. Associated with the Crook family and local Reformation history, it has served as a care home since the 1930s.
Lisieux Hall, Dawson Lane, Chorley, is a medieval manor house previously named Crook Hall, which belonged to the Crook family from c16th to the early c19th.
Legend includes an interesting story about the confiscation of the property during the Reformation because the family
refused to renounce their Catholic religion, however it then passed to a younger son who was brought up as a Protestant.
The building is made out of sandstone with slate roofs, in two storeys and attics, and has a plan of three parallel ranges.
There is a symmetrical front of seven bays containing a porch with four Tuscan columns, a frieze, and a moulded cornice. Inside the porch is a doorway with engaged ionic columns. On the left side are the remains of c17th mullioned windows. On the right side are canted bay windows, one in two storeys.
Lisieux Hall was altered in the 1930s and has been used as a care home ever since. It is currently a registered nursing home, run by the Brothers of Charity Services.
Photographer Joan Gauld said she has lived in Clayton-le-Woods for 40 years and has walked passed the hospital many times.
She said as well as Lisieux Hall now being a care home, there is also a recovery centre for disabled people.
Joan, along with her partner James, are both highly experienced and skilled photographers previously partaking
in many competitions and also being asked to judge competitions too.
References: Historic England, Chris Newman, Flickr, Marmitch, RootsChat.com
Canon EOS R5 • f11 • 1/160 • ISO 100
The Old Police Station
Built in the mid-19th century, this distinctive red-brick building originally served as a police station and later became a library. Notable features include its Flemish bond brickwork, sash windows, stone dressings and the inscription CONSTABULARY STATION above the entrance. The interior still contains the original lock-up, providing a tangible link to its policing past.
The old Constabulary Station, probably mid c19th, subsequently a library, and other uses. Built with red brick in Flemish bond, with low stone plinth and ashlar dressings, hipped slate roof. It has an L-shaped plan, 4 bays, 2 storeys and rusticated quoins to outer corners.
Panelled double doors in the left side and a window with panelled stone apron in the right side; recessed iron foot scrapers each side of door; all windows sashed with glazing bars. There is a Tuscan pilastrade with frieze lettered CONSTABULARY STATION. Interior contains contemporary lock-up.
“I’m not entirely sure what this building is being used for now,” said photographer Joan Gauld. “I chose this building because we had a personal connection to it and used to go there for meetings.”
“I may have been drawn to it because my Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather were all policemen. The police stations my Great Grandfather worked in could have been similar, certainly the same era.”
She said this photo was taken to help take her mind off a medical procedure she was having the next day.
“I said to James come on! The light is just right! Let’s get up and get out. It’ll give us something to do before tomorrow’s operation.”
She added, even though it was at the time of evening when the light is all golden, she still had to wait for the shadows to move round and cover the wheelie bins in the left-hand corner. “The thing I like about Ian’s project is it gets people out and about with their cameras. I had lost my photography mojo in the pandemic. Lost my desire to take part in competitions. It’s got me out with my camera again.”
Text from Historic England website: https://historicengland.org.uk
References: Historic England History
Canon EOS 6D • f16• 1/13 • ISO 100
Enclosure Fence Posts, Ambry Meadows
Dating from at least 1785, and possibly earlier, these stone fence posts are among the oldest listed structures in Leyland. The surviving line of posts marks the enclosure of former common land, reflecting the profound changes brought about by the Agricultural Revolution and the Enclosure Acts. While intended to increase agricultural productivity, enclosure often deprived ordinary people of land and resources on which they depended, causing significant hardship for many local families.
THE STONE FENCE POSTS DIVIDE AMBRY MEADOWS BETWEEN RIVER LOSTOCK AND WADE BROOK ON NORTH-WEST SOUTH-WEST AXIS AT SD 523 212
These enclosure fence posts are listed as 1785 but possibly earlier, making them one of the oldest listed structures in Leyland.
They were built to enclose previously common land. The line of 35 stone fenceposts divide Ambry Meadows between River Lostock and Wade Brook on an east-west line approximately 100 metres long.
The stones are roughly hewn tapered slabs roughly 1½ metres high, each pierced by 2 railing slots with 2 fallen at time of survey.
The Agricultural Revolution included the Enclosure Act of1773 whose objective was to make agricultural land more productive and economic, to feed an increasing population.
Enclosure gave landowners the right to close off common land from the public. The areas that had once been free for ordinary people to use for farming, fishing, grazing livestock, gathering firewood or hunting, were sectioned off. Commoners were barred from land that had been, by law, theirs.
Records show that in Leyland enclosure had been happening since the early c17th and would have caused great hardship amongst the poorest of its populace.
References: Issue 32, 1986, of the Leyland Chronicle, Journal of the Leyland Historical Society
Panasonic DMC-FZ7 • f8• 1/250 • ISO 200
Croston Station Bridge
Authorised in 1846 and opened in 1849, the Croston Station railway overbridge is a fine example of Victorian railway engineering. Built during the great era of railway expansion, the Grade II listed sandstone bridge is noted for its elegant elliptical arch and high-quality stonework. Designed by renowned railway engineers associated with Britain’s railway pioneers, it served a busy line carrying passengers, livestock and goods, and remains an important reminder of the region’s railway heritage.
According to Historic England, the Croston Station railway overbridge on Bretherton Road was authorised for construction on 18th August 1846.
It was run by the East Lancashire Railway Company on the Liverpool, Ormskirk and Preston railway line.
The single-span rock-faced sandstone overbridge is listed for its architectural interest because it displays a well-executed elliptical arch (span around 8.8m), along with voussoirs, capped parapet walls.
It was built by Joseph Locke, John Errington & Sturges Meek during the ‘heroic age’ of the steam and ‘railways mania’. The listing recognises Locke’s association with Stephenson and Brunel as one of the great railway engineers.
The Croston Railway bridge and its Grade II listed status is keeping with other bridges on the Liverpool Ormskirk and Preston line.
In 1849 Croston railway bridge/station was open for business. By 1904 the commerce included passengers, horse boxes, prize cattle, furniture vans and livestock. A 5-ton crane provided flexibility and offered greater versatility for trade.
In 1970 the line became a single line operation.
Text from Historic England website: https://historicengland.org.uk
References: www.networkrail.co.uk
Photographer: Nick Wilcox
Panasonic DMC-FZ7 • f5• 1/200 • ISO 400
Stony Flat Canal Bridge (No. 87)
Built between 1812 and 1814 during the construction of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, Stony Flat Bridge is a Grade II listed sandstone accommodation bridge. Designed to preserve existing rights of way, it allowed farmers and livestock to cross the canal after its construction. Notable features include its elegant elliptical arch, distinctive engraved bridge number, and white-painted archway, which continues to aid canal navigation today.
Historic England describes this bridge at Withnell as an ‘accommodation bridge’ on the Leeds-Liverpool canal.
Built from 1812-1814 in coursed sandstone by supervising engineers Joseph and James Fletcher and contractor John Withnell.
It has a distorted elliptical portal that included keystones and rusticated voussoirs.
Note the vertical white marker off centre to indicate where the middle of the canal is.
As with most canal bridges, the external arch is painted white to aid navigation of the barges.
An unusual feature is how the bridge number, 87, is engraved into the keystone. What is an ‘accommodation’ bridge, (or occupation bridge)? It is a bridge that does not take away any rights of way for access when new transport services are constructed, such as farmers access to his land and fields when a canal has been constructed. Rights of way that are pre-existing.
Bridge 87 is also known as ‘Stoney Flat Bridge’. In keeping with the accommodation nomenclature, the bridge carries mainly farm vehicles and animals.
Text from Historic England website: https://historicengland.org.uk
References: www.waymarking.com
Panasonic DMC-FZ7 • f8• 1/640 • ISO 400
Lock Keeper’s Office
The Lock Keeper’s Office and Toll House on Town Lane in Whittle-le-Woods, Chorley is made of coursed stone and has a slate roof. Historic England dates this building to circa 1816.
Although not accessible to the public, the lower floor contains the remnants of a forge. The Lock Keeper’s Office is associated with Johnson’s Hillock series of 7 locks that supports the changes in the height of the canal.
Text from Historic England website: https://historicengland.org.uk
Canon EOS 7D Mk2 • f8• 1/160 • ISO 100
Gravestone of Richard Sherdley
This raised slab is the gravestone of Richard Sherdley from 1687 in the churchyard of St Andrew’s Church and It consists of a raised stone slab on a low stone base laid horizontally. There is a long inscription in relief. Lettered are 14 lines of continuous capitals which read:
HERE LYETH THE BODY OF RICHARD SHERDLEY OF FARRINGTON YEAMAN WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE JANUARY THE NINTH IN THE FORTY SEVENTH YEAR OF HIS AGE AND WAS INTERRED JANUARY THE 12TH ANNO DOMINI 1687
The slab was photographed when it was wet and when the sun was giving some side light.
References: Historic England
Canon EOS 7D Mk2 • f8• 1/60 • ISO 100
Walker Monument, St Andrew’s Church
Dating from 1588, the Walker Monument commemorates William Walker, Parish Clerk of Leyland and a Bachelor of Music. This rare sandstone memorial features a life-sized incised figure and Latin inscriptions celebrating the value of music and purposeful living. One of Leyland’s most intriguing historic monuments, it has also been linked by some researchers to the world of William Shakespeare through local families and literary connections.
The Walker Monument is a raised monumental slab that commemorates William Walker, Clerk of the Parish of Leyland who died in 1588.
It is made of sandstone and the rectangular slab rests on a low stone base. The surface bears a very unusual life-sized primitive figure drawn with an incised line of flowing simplicity. The margin has a continuous inscription round all four sides beginning at the head. The name of the monument – “Walker” – is now so worn it makes it almost illegible.
Text on slab: HEARE LIETH THE BODIE OF WILLIAM WALKERBATCHELOR OF MUSICKE OF THIS PARISHE OF LEYLAND FORTHE SPACE OF XXV YEARES AND DYED THE XX APRIL 1588
Inscriptions above the head of the figure: Musica Mentis Medicina Maestae (translation: “Music the Medicine of a Sad Soul”); to the left of the head the initials: B R:Cand below the feet another Latin inscription: Nulla die sine Linea(approximate translation: “No day without a purpose”); and left of this the initials: W.F. Esq (probably William Farington).
Some believe, the history of the slab may have a connection with writer William Shakespeare.
As a young man, Shakespeare is thought to have been in the households of the Hoghton family of Lea and Hoghton and the Hesketh family of Rufford during the 1580s (Honigman, 1985).
William Farington of Worden has also been suggested as the model for the character of Malvolio in Twelfth Night. Plus, the first line of this play – “If music be the food of love, play on” – clearly echoes the first Latin inscription quoted above.
The slab was photographed when it was wet and when the sun was giving some side light.
References: Historic England
Canon EOS 7D Mk2 • f9• 1/125 • ISO 100
Sundial
This sundial, which been dated approximately to the early c18th can be found in the churchyard of St Andrew’s Church, circa 20m south of old grammar school.
The base has two circular stone steps, a turned pedestal of a swelling baluster shape with moulded foot and cap, and brass plate and scrolled gnomon.
The photograph was taken hand-held.
References: Historic England
Photographer: Andrew McLean
Canon EOS 7D Mk2 • f8• 1/125 • ISO 100
The Watchhouse
The watchhouse in St Andrew’s Church is from the early c19th. It is made from ashlar with tooled faces, slate roof with overhanging eaves. One rectangular cell, single storey; gable wall to churchyard has an arched window with 3 cinquefoil light the centre ogival, a rounded tapered end.
The north side wall has plain doorway with arched stone lintel. Watchhouses were built during Georgian times in an attempt to stop body snatchers. People would spend the night hiding in the watchhouse to keep a lookout for graverobbers. The watchhouse was necessary to guard the graveyard.
The photograph was taken hand-held.
Reference: Historic England
Photographer: Ian Smith
Nikon Z6 • f14• 1/160 • ISO 1000
Worden Park and Gardens
With origins dating back to land granted to the Knights of St John in the medieval period, Worden Park has passed through several notable local families before opening to the public in 1951. The formal gardens, designed by renowned landscape architect W. A. Nesfield, feature a sunken lawn, ornamental flower beds, a maze, and attractive pathways that offer visitors a variety of views throughout this historic and tranquil setting.
According to the Historic England list entry description, the land was granted to the Knights of St John of Jerusalem around early c12th or c13th.
It subsequently passed through the hands of the Bussel family, the Anderton family, with the last private owners of the estate being the Farington family until 1947.
Worden Park and Garden was opened to the public on 18 June 1951 as part of the Festival of Britain by the then Leyland Urban District Council.
The current design of the formal gardens and maze was laid out by landscape architect W. A. Nesfield.
The sunken lawn is confined by an apsidal balustrade and geometrical flower beds. A system of paths offers a variety of perspectives of the varied and attractive gardens.
A wide range of seating provide ample opportunity for the public to absorb the fresh and relaxing atmosphere in an attractive location that also houses a mid c19th grade II listed conservatory.
References: Historic England, Leyland Historic Society, South Ribble Government Website
Photographer: Ian Smith
Nikon Z6 • f10• 1/16 • ISO 900
10 – 60 Fox Lane Leyland
Built by 1802, the Fox Lane Step Houses form a rare and remarkably complete row of 26 Grade II listed Georgian terraced houses. Known locally as “step houses” because of their distinctive raised entrances, they feature spear railings, urn finials and basement workshops, many of which were used for handloom weaving. Today they remain one of Leyland’s most distinctive historic streetscapes and are believed by some local residents to be the longest continuous row of listed buildings in Europe.
These step houses on Fox Lane in Leyland are a rare occurrence of this type of terraced housing all surviving in a row in Lancashire.
The continuous row of 26 listed houses from number 10-60 were built either before or in 1802 in the Georgian era (1714-1846).
The houses were built by a terminating Building Society, originally called Friendly Society Houses. Hence all these individual societies’ properties were numbered consecutively ie10, 11, 12, et cetera.
Known locally as ‘step houses’ by their architectural style leading up to the front door. They also feature spear railings with urn finials and basements. The idea by the middle-class and artisan owner-occupiers was probably to rent out them out. Most of the basements became workshops, mainly used for handloom weaving.
In 1846 number 22 was sold for £167. Anecdotally, some local people believe it is the longest row of listed buildings in Europe.
References: Historic England
Nikon Z6 • f11• 1/60 • ISO 400
Stone Cross
Believed to date from medieval times, the Stone Cross at the junction of Church Road is one of Leyland’s oldest and most enduring landmarks. Thought to have served as either a market or preaching cross, it has survived centuries of damage, restoration, vandalism and even collisions with wartime vehicles. Its uncertain origins and partially buried base continue to add to the mystery and fascination of this historic monument.
The stone cross standing tall and proud in the centre of this road junction is thought to date back to medieval times. It stands on 4 flights of steps, two of which are concealed under the pavement.
Its original function is not clear, maybe market or a preaching cross. The location has meant that it has been on the receiving end of quite a lot of damage over the years.
In 1887, the stone cross was restored by the local burghers who were motivated to make it look nice for Queen Victoria’s Jubilee.
In later years the cross has withstood vandalism, traffic accidents and collisions with WW2 tanks.
Photographer Ian Smith said he likes a photographic challenge. He wanted to try and capture the cross and not include a modern background.
He said the fact that a fair piece of this monument lies beneath the paving and nobody quite knows who or why it was built makes it interesting.
The photo was taken with a Nikon Z6 camera after the sun had set, thus it was also a bit challenging for the light.
References: Historic England
Canon EOS RP • f9• 1/320 • ISO 100
Leyland United Reformed Church
Originally known as Leyland Congregational Church, this impressive High Victorian Gothic building was constructed between 1876 and 1877 through the efforts and generosity of the local congregation. Designed by architect David Grant, its distinctive 80-foot tower has long been a prominent landmark in the town. Built from local stone and seating around 480 people, the church remains notable for both its architectural character and excellent acoustics.
The Leyland United Reformed Church was formerly known as the Leyland Congregational Church.
A quotation from The Story of Leyland Congregational Church 1846 – 1946:
“On April 27th, 1874, a meeting, with Mr. Atkinson presiding…unanimously decided that we build a new Chapel … ”The architect was David Grant (born in 1846), a well-regarded nonconformist architect and secretary of the Leyland Church building committee.
A record of March 1875, reads, A building committee has been formed; Mr. McMinnies, a local Mill Owner and MP, had hoped to present a site for the new church, but the one desired, in Hough Lane, was entailed. He secured it on a 999-year lease and stimulated the raising of a building fund by generous promises. £1,200 was soon collected. Plans for a church and school were prepared. On May 27th, 1876, Mr. McMinnies laid the foundation stone and building proceeded. The school was ready first and opened on January 27th, 1877. The church opened for worship, on October 12th. Proceedings began with a meat tea, at which: “350 persons were satisfied.”
The total cost reached £6,000. It is testimony to the deepening life and spirit of the church that it was resolved to pay off the debt remaining quickly. It was steadily reduced: a bazaar in 1881 raised£650, and in 1883, the final balance of £450 was paid.
The church is made of Padiham stone, crock faced; dressed Longridge stone to openings; brick and stone to church rooms at the rear. There is a lofty steep slate roof and a tower, 80 feet high, noticeable from most parts of the town. Architecturally it is in a High Victorian Gothic style.
The Leyland United Reformed Church comfortably seats about480 people, and the acoustics are excellent.
Rev. Harry Townley, 1941
References: Historic England, The Story of Leyland Congregational Church 1846 – 1946, Reverend Harry Townley (1941)
Canon EOS RP • f11• 1/50 • ISO 12800
Leyland United Reform Church
In the Historic England list entry description of Leyland United Reformed Church, it says: “Of special note is the organ set in the shallow apse … ”A quotation from The Story of Leyland Congregational Church1846 – 1946: “In 1895, an organ fund, opened the year before. “It reached £100, and the organ was thereupon installed.
The choir of Hollinshead Street Church, renewing the old association of the churches, gave a musical service.
A two day bazaar at Christmas, realised £316, which with the fund existing, met the cost of the organ, also gallery alterations for an organ chamber and the provision of a hydraulic organ blower, installed later.
References: Historic England, Church Organ by Alexander Young, Manchester 1895
Canon EOS RP • f22• 1/80 • ISO 640
Worden Park Arch
This is the gateway and entrance lodge to Worden Park on Worden Lane. According to Historic England, it is dated from the early c19th and all built from ashlar.
There is a round-headed arch with scrolled keystone flanked by Doric demi-columns bearing a plain entablature with prominent moulded cornice and stepped parapet.
Plinth and impost string, in common with the voussoirs (wedge-shaped stones in arch) are vermiculated (marked with a surface pattern).
References: Historic England
Photographer: Jennifer Rickards
Canon EOS 1300D • f7.1• 1/250 • ISO n/a
Ice House
Located within the grounds of Worden Hall, this late 18th-century ice house was built to store ice and preserve food before the advent of refrigeration. Designed to blend attractively into the landscape, it features an unusual ogee-shaped doorway and a decorative façade incorporating older stonework, possibly from the former nave of St Andrew’s Church. Nearby stands a glacial erratic transported from the Lake District during the last Ice Age, adding further historical interest to this unique site.
This is a photograph of the Ice House gate and wall which is situated in the grounds of Worden Hall, circa 100m south of the hall. Ice houses were built underground in the grounds of large estates in order to store ice and preserve perishables long before refrigerators.
This one, thought to have been built late c18th, has a decorated facade incorporating c16th pieces which may have come from St Andrews church nave which was demolished with gunpowder in 1816.
“This ice house in Worden Park follows the Georgian tradition of “attractive and pretty”, by blending into the surrounding landscape. The unusual, styled door is called an ‘ogee’.
By the side of the ice house there is a large rock with the inscription “Greenstone porphyry, Helvellyn, Prof I Phillips, brought from Worden drift” This is a “glacial erratic” from Helvellyn in the Lake District during the last ice age. A much larger erratic can be found in Crossens near Southport.”
References: Historic England, www.lancashirepast.com
Photographer: Jennifer Rickards
Canon EOS 1300D • f7.1• 1/250 • ISO n/a
Lord Nelson Inn
Originally a farmhouse on Sandy Lane in Brindle, this pub wasbuilt in sandstone and dated 1668 on the arched doorway.
It has been altered considerably over the years. There are various mullion windows, a peephole, blocked doorway/window and hood moulds.
Internally there is a retained double-chamfered mullion window, originally in an external wall.
Reference: Historic England
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94, 96 and 98 Fox Lane
This attractive row of historic cottages on Fox Lane forms part of the Farington Almshouses Trust estate. Originally built elsewhere in Leyland and later rebuilt on their present site, they retain their distinctive symmetrical design, decorative gabled porches and traditional architectural features. Founded through the generosity of William Farington of Worden Hall, the cottages remain an important part of Leyland’s built heritage and continue to be carefully maintained by the Trust.
This row of 3 cottages are part of group of 5 Farington Almshouses Trust houses.
Made with brick with graded slate roof, on a rectangular and symmetrical plan that are 1½ storeys high. There is a one ridge chimney stack each side of centre, and one external chimney stack attached to front wall at each end, rising through the eaves.
Three gabled porches with round-arched openings, wavy bargeboards and finials; four 3-lightcasement windows with straight drip moulds and 4 gabled attic dormers with 2-light casements, wavy bargeboards and finials.
Originally built in the west of Leyland, when they fell into disrepair a decision was made to rebuild them bigger and better on Fox Lane.
Built in a formal symmetrical pattern that has changed very little over the years. The three cottages consisted of six tenements under one roof. Originally “ Founded and Endowed by William Farington of Worden Hall.
Under the control of Ffarington Almshouse Trust, they are let for residential purposes. The income is used for the purpose of repairing and improving the Trust’s property portfolio.
The annual Trust report, (2020), recognises the importance of the property portfolio to the heritage of Leyland.
References: Wikipedia, Leyland Historical Website: https://www.leylandhistoricalsociety.co.uk, Historic England
Photographer: Eric Broughton
Canon EOS Powershot • f4• 1/125 • ISO 200
Wade Brook Arch
The stone arch over Wade Brook’s date and purpose are unknown.
Historic England says it is probably a late c18th romantic ornament.
The rubble is with dressed quoins and voussoirs.
There is a single high rounded arch over waterfall abutting a crude rectangular turret with dry gargoyle on south bank.
References: Historic England website: https://historicengland.org.uk
Canon EOS Powershot • f4• 1/160 • ISO 100
St Andrew’s Entrance
According to Historic England, the entrance gateway and retaining wall is dated to 1827 with the railings.
The stone gateway is composed of a wide Tudor arch with moulded and battlemented coping carried between tall battlemented piers with trefoil panels.
The wall, which turns from the foot of the left pier, and runs100m eastwards, forms a retaining boundary to the churchyard which is elevated three metres above the road.
Eight courses of stone blocks with overhanging rounded coping, on which stand stick-baluster iron railings with Gothic arches formed in the heads, are divided into groups of 20 by shaped posts with urn finials, carrying a spiked rail.
Incorporated in the wall opposite the end of Sandy Lane is the lintel of a former doorway incised “1827”.
References: Historic England
Canon EOS 80D Powershot • f3.5• 1/800 • ISO 100
Museum – Back
According to Historic England, the entrance gateway and retaining wall is dated to 1827 with the railings.
The stone gateway is composed of a wide Tudor arch with moulded and battlemented coping carried between tall battlemented piers with trefoil panels.
The wall, which turns from the foot of the left pier, and runs100m eastwards, forms a retaining boundary to the churchyard which is elevated three metres above the road. Eight courses of stone blocks with overhanging rounded coping, on which stand stick-baluster iron railings with Gothic arches formed in the heads, are divided into groups of 20 by shaped posts with urn finials, carrying a spiked rail.
Incorporated in the wall opposite the end of Sandy Lane is the lintel of a former doorway incised “1827”.
References: Historic England
Canon EOS 80D Powershot • f3.5• 1/500 • ISO 100
Museum – Side, th Old Grammar School
Founded through the generosity of Sir Henry Farington in 1524, the Old Grammar School on Church Road was the first school established in Leyland. Built between 1580 and 1610 within the church grounds, the historic building educated generations of local children and later gained a headmaster’s cottage funded by parish benefactors. Today, the former school survives as one of Leyland’s most important historic buildings and continues to serve the community as a museum.
The Old Grammar School on Church Road was the first school to be built in Leyland.
In 1524 Sir Henry Farington set up a trust fund with the clergy of the then Leyland Parish Church to build a school in the grounds.
It is said for this financial contribution that a priest read a prayer over Sir Henry’s grave every night after his death.
Between 1580 and 1610 the school was built in the corner of the church grounds. It was rectangular, made of brick with 4 bays and 2 storeys, stone plinth and quoins and a large external chimney stack at right end.
The first lessons were given by a priest. Over the years the school employed 22 teachers.
In the reign of King George lll (1760 – 1820), a weaver’s type cottage was built for the headmaster that was attached to the school.
Above the present entrance through the cottage door at the south end, there is a lettered lintel which reads: “By the liberal Contributions of the Gentlemen of this Parish and others in the year 1790”.
The building is still standing and is in use as a museum. In 2020,it closed for renovation work which is nearing completion.
References: Historic England
Photographers: David Jones and Andrew McLean
Canon EOS 7D Mk2 • f8• 1/200 • ISO 100
Church of St Andrew
With origins dating back to at least 1220, St Andrew’s Church is one of Leyland’s oldest and most significant historic buildings. Its medieval chancel and 15th-century tower reflect centuries of architectural development, while major rebuilding and modernisation have enabled it to continue serving the community. Today, the church remains both an important heritage landmark and a thriving centre of worship and outreach in Leyland.
The earliest record of a church on the current site is in 1220when Thomas Bussell was instituted as rector. The oldest part of the present church is the chancel which dates from the c14th, although portions of c12th masonry were discovered in 1852 during some alterations in the south east corner.
The tower is the next oldest part of the building and remains more or less as it was when completed at the end of the c15th.
In 1816 the nave was demolished, apparently using gunpowder, and the current larger one built. This was completed in 1817 as indicated by the date above the north door which is now used as the church’s main entrance.
In 1999 the interior of the church was remodelled with the pews being removed, a narthex created and the whole ground floor carpeted. This created a more flexible space enabling the building to be used for other events in addition to the regular worship services.
Currently the church has an average attendance of about 375 adults and children over three Sunday services and one weekday service.
David Jones selected St Andrew’s Church for the project because not only is the church a listed building, but also, the church today is a vibrant Christian community.
He started going to the Church of St Andrew with his wife when they moved to Leyland in 2023.In addition, the church has outreaches such as the one David and his wife assist with which shows the love of Christ to those with learning difficulties.
References: Historic England, Heritage Tour Guide St Andrew’s Church 2020, Leyland Parish Church 1220-1970 by W J Sawle.
Nikon D810 • f5.6• 1/40 • ISO 64
Church of St Ambrose
Built in 1885 to serve Leyland’s growing population during the railway era, St Ambrose Church is a striking Victorian landmark designed by Liverpool architects Aldridge and Deacon. Notable for its four spires and rich architectural detailing, the church has long been at the heart of the local community. For photographer Dave Hambley, it also holds deep personal significance through decades of involvement with the church and the lasting friendships formed there.
The Reverend Thomas Rigbye Baldwin started the building of St Ambrose, Moss Lane, Leyland in response to the coming of the railways and a remarkable increase in population of Leyland. He purchased the site in 1880 for £300, and a further£2000 for the build was raised by the public. The architects were Aldridge and Deacon from Liverpool. The church was duly consecrated in 1885.
The church has four spires, three octagonal and one on the southeast corner, higher than the others and conical. The spire is believed to be higher so as to be nearer to God.
There are many architectural features of interest such as the 3-light plate-traceried window in the chancel. And in its head there are two cinquefoils, five leaves arranged in a circle. The leaves represent strength, power, honour and loyalty. There is also a quatrefoil which represents the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
The Vicar of Preston, the Reverend J.H. Rawdon said of the new church, “The finest thing about the church is the seats. First come, first served and no appropriation.”
Reverend Rawdon was a great advocate for free and open seats.
Photographer Dave Hambley said he was the Scouts’ treasurer for more than 30 years at the church. Then his late wife’s funeral was held there, and the Mothers’ Union gave her coffin a guard of honour.
He added, the old and current vicar still meet up with him nearly nine years later. Two cameras were used, a Canon G3X camera and a Nikon D810, the latter camera image was selected.
References: Historic England, St Ambrose History, English Heritage, Study.com, Buffalo Architectural
Nikon D810 • f7.1 • 1/500 • ISO 320
Farington Lodge
Originally built as an elegant Georgian house in the 1830s, Farington Lodge has been home to several prominent local families and business leaders, including mill owner William Bashall and accountant James Todd. Later purchased by Leyland Motors to accommodate visiting guests, the house has played an important role in the area’s industrial and social history. Today, while retaining many of its original features, it continues to serve the community as a popular hotel, restaurant and wedding venue.
Farington Lodge began as a fine Georgian house on Centurian Way in Leyland in the 1830s.
Farington Mill co-owner William Bashall, a much-loved and caring employer in the area, lived here with his family until his death in 1871. He gave the ground floor rooms ornate plasterwork on the ceilings.
In 1905, the house and estate were purchased by Arthur Carrington, Director of Carrington Dewhurst Ltd. cotton manufacturers, later known as Carrington Viyella. While the Carringtons lived there, two of his daughters were married and their weddings were very grand society affairs.
In 1911, the next owner of Farington Lodge was a distinguished businessman named James Todd JP. He was a wealthy Preston accountant who, together with his wife and three daughters, made it their happy family home. Mr Todd was a member of the Reform Club in Preston and Mrs Todd was a social activist and also a suffragist. His death in 1931 coincided with the slump in the value of cotton shares and the Todd family faced financial ruin.
Around that time, the first managing director of Leyland Motors, Henry Spurrier, was looking for a place where special overnight visitors could stay. He asked Mrs Todd if she would let her bedrooms and also host. The arrangement worked well: Mrs Todd gained some much-needed financial support and the company’s VIPs enjoyed being in one of the most beautiful buildings in the area. When Mrs Todd left the building in 1935she sold Farington Lodge and the 23-acre estate to Leyland Motors for £7,000.
In recent years, the current private owners have built an extension on to the house providing extra bedrooms and also a large function room. The old house still retains some of the features of the original mill owner’s home. The property is now a popular hotel, restaurant and wedding venue.
Photographer Dave Hambley said he was aware he liked Farington Lodge because he did a management course there years ago.
References: Historic England, Farington Lodge website: https://www.classiclodges.co.uk/farington-lodge