In this itinerary, we give you the opportunity to take a glimpse of West Lancashire’s history, from the 13th century all the way through to The Great War.
1530: Tudor Times
Experience one of West Lancashire’s finest Tudor buildings, the National Trust’s Rufford Old Hall which was built in the 1530’s. Be amazed by the Tudor Great Hall. Marvel at the beautiful furniture, suits of armour and carved oak screen, a rare survivor from the 1500’s. See portraits of the Hesketh family’s 400 year residency and explore the grounds featuring late-Victorian styled gardens, topiary an orchard and a woodland walk that springs to life with bluebells each year. Rumour has it that Shakespeare also spent some of his youth here.
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1914: The War Years
Walk in the footsteps of thousands of War Horses during the first world war. Brought from all over the world to Ormskirk Station via Liverpool Docks. They were then walked to Lathom Park, one of only three Remount Depots in the UK, and trained for service.
Horses and mules were a vital part of the war effort and Lathom Park hosted over 200,000 before they carried out their service, sometimes at the war front in France.
One of the stories of a war horse called Joey was told by Michael Morpurgo in his book ‘War Horse’ and was later adapted into a film by Steven Spielberg.
Orme’s kirk
(Orme’s church)
If you’re lucky enough to discover Ormskirk on a Thursday or Saturday, enjoy the historic Traditional Market that’s called Ormskirk home since King Edward granted it a royal charter in 1286. Experience historic Ormskirk Gingerbread, manufactured by women in the town from as early as 1732, and now sold on the Market as well as in a few retailers in the town.
Admire the Parish church, on any day. The only one in the country to have both a tower and steeple at the same end. Legend has it that Orme the Viking had two quarrelling sisters, and so built both to keep the peace.
“A Lady in Lancs said a spire, Is what every good church should desire
But her sis with a glower, Said a church needs a tower
So they built one with both, and it’s dire!”
Spike Milligan
Whilst you’re in town why not also take part in the Heritage Trail, or enjoy a drink and bite to eat in the grade 2 listed and last surviving coaching inn between Liverpool and Preston, the Buck I’ Th’ Vine.
Transport of the times
1768: Canal Cut
The Leeds to Liverpool canal was decided upon in Leeds in 1768, to link the two cities for the export of cloth. The first spade of earth removed towards making the vision a reality was in Halsall, West Lancashire on 5th November 1770. This started the very first section of the canal with ran from Newburgh to Liverpool.
The site is commemorated with a statue by Thompson Dagnall called Halsall Navvy at bridge 25.
Alongside the Leeds to Liverpool canal you’ll also find Burscough Wharf, and you can experience a ride on a traditional narrow boat from nearby.
1878: Steam Locomotives
West Lancashire Light Railway is a must see if you have an interest in trains, live-steam railways and the preservation of industrial heritage. Its site at Hesketh Bank is close to the original West Lancashire Railway, which opened in 1878, and tells the stories of narrow gauge railways and the industries they served, and the former Southport to Preston railway.
With train operating on Sundays and Bank holidays. West Lancashire Light Railway also has six steam engines on site, and more than twenty small diesel, petrol and battery locomotives rescued from defunct industrial undertakings.
1850: Sleep tight
Built in 1850 you’ll soon be able to spend the night in Ormskirk’s Old Magistrates Court.
