Caton, Croftlands c.1955
Photo ref: C473026
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Photo ref: C473026
Photo of Caton, Croftlands c.1955

More about this scene

Thomas Berry, a yeoman farmer, built this house on the site of an abbey in 1745. In 1833 one of his descendants refaced the stonework, commemorating this with a Latin inscription over the front door. For years Croftlands lay empty; then in 1928 it was bought by Colonel Walter Musgrave Hoyle, whose wife was the youngest daughter of Colonel Foster of Hornby Castle. Alterations were carefully made; Mrs Hoyle concentrated on the garden. Her restoration transformed the grounds into one of Lancashire's best gardens, and she also became Mayor of the City of Lancaster in 1938. In August 1961 she died, quite suddenly. Croftlands was sold by auction on 7 July 1976. In spite of its imposing facade, high walls and massive gates, Croftlands could well be missed by visitors hurrying to the Crook O' Lune beauty spot. Near here in1803 the discovery was made of a 6ft high Roman milestone, once important to the legions marching towards the fort in Lancaster.

A Selection of Memories from Caton

For many years now, we've been inviting visitors to our website to add their own memories to share their experiences of life as it was, prompted by the photographs in our archive. Here are some from Caton

Sparked a Memory for you?

If this has sparked a memory, why not share it here?

In August 1939 I was evacuated frm Salford to Caton. I had my gas mask, a small parcel of food and a label on my clothing. We arrived at the then beautiful station, adorned with flowers. Then we walked to the Village Institute, where villagers were waiting for us and to choose their evacuees. I was lucky to be chosen by a lovely old couple, George and Mary Thexton, who then lived at 4 Gable Houses, now ...see more