Clitheroe

The death of Henry I in 1135 saw England torn apart by civil war. The succession had been settled by Henry on his daughter Matilda, but the throne was seized by Stephen, a grandson of William the Conqueror. As well as being harassed by Matilda’s supporters, the North was sorely troubled by Scots raiding parties. In 1137 the English inhabitants and the Norman garrison of Clitheroe Castle joined forces to fight off one such raid. In 1649 Clitheroe was reduced on Cromwell’s orders so that it would be of little, if any, strategic importance. In 1660 it was given along with the Honour of Clitheroe by Charles II to General George Monck. Monck had fought for Parliament, but had later been one of the prime movers in bringing about the Restoration.
An extract from from"English Castles".

Towneley Hall has a very good collection. It includes the famous Zoffany portrait, ‘Charles Towneley and his Friends’, several Turners and an Epstein bust. Most of the pictures have been acquired by the Council, though the Hall has some pictures formerly in the Towneley Collection.
An extract from from"Burnley Town and City Memories".

The chapel is the work of Sir John Towneley (1473-1541), who also saved the magnificent vestments formerly used in Whalley Abbey. The vestments, very rare survivals of the pre-Reformation church, are usually on display near the chapel. The chapel itself is full of interest. On the extreme right, note the beautifully-carved wooden shield over the door of what was once a confessional room. On either side of it are the crests of the Towneleys of Towneley and the Asshetons of Lever, together with the initials RT and IT and the date 1601. The initials are those of Richard and Jane Towneley (formerly Assheton). High on the panelled ceiling are bosses on which are carved the initials of Sir John’s family.
An extract from from"Burnley Town and City Memories".

On the top floor the south-east wing contains the long gallery; below it are what are now called the Regency rooms. The north-west wing, which can be seen in the background, contains the chapel, the kitchens and the two art galleries. In the foreground, the garden area to the left was originally part of the orchard. Note the woman with a child in a pram at the front of the Hall.
An extract from from"Burnley Town and City Memories".

This is the most well known view of Towneley Hall. It shows the building casting a reflection in the pond at the front. To the right, partly hidden by trees, are the former servants’ quarters. Some visitors can be seen by the central door. What is often not realised is that another wing once stood here. It contained the family chapel, which was later moved into the west wing. The only things which spoil this view are the municipal benches.
An extract from from"Burnley Town and City Memories".