Thursday 14 February 2013

Another centre of faith in Lancashire

Samlesbury Hall, near Preston, during the fourteenth to the seventeenth centuries, was the home of the Southworth family. In the late sixteenth century, John Southworth was a recusant. His son, Christopher, was ordained priest in 1583 but was captured in London and     imprisoned in Wisbech Castle. He managed to escape after thirteen years. 
The Hall was then a quadrangular building, but only two of the wings now remain. The old chapel and, what is regarded as three hides, still remain.
I took the above photo of the rear of the long wing. There is thought to be hides in two of the three chimney stacks in this photo; the massive one on the left and the one on the right. A third possibility is in the attic space. More in the next post.
The Hall is now owed by a Trust; it is well worth visiting, but check times of opening before you set out.

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