Towneley Park
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Towneley Park comprises Towneley Hall, a large country house and it's surrounding estate on the outskirts of Burnley, Lancashire, England.
Most of the land is open but there is a nature trail around the back of the hall where most of the woodland is situated, on the trail you would see many sculptured creatures emerging from the trees, these are of various woodland and mythical creatures. The open ground is taken up mostly by a golf course and many football pitches, there are around 4 full size pitches with roughly 12 smaller pitches. These are used in Sunday League games and in Children's football matches, There is also a changing block for teams to use in bigger matches.
The River Calder flows through the grounds and at the main entrance of the grounds there is a high school, the aptly named Towneley High School will be getting rebuilt in the "Burnley Schools for the Future" scheme.
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[edit] History
The Towneleys were an important Catholic family and the hall not only contains the 15th Century Whalley Abbey vestments, but also has its own chapel - with a finely carved Flemish altarpiece dating from around 1500. An old 'missionary altar' - so-called because it was a fold up portable piece of furniture - can be seen at the Catholic shrine of Fernyhalgh (Ladyewell) near Preston in Lancashire. This was made for Sir John Towneley as a response to the law of 1599 which made it an offense to celebrate Mass. The hall was the home of the Towneley family for over 500 years. Unfortunately the male line of the family declined and in 1901 it was sold to Burnley Corporation. The family departed in March 1902 leaving behind a building almost completely empty except for a couple of tables and a few pictures in the chapel. The park was opened to the public in June 1902 and in May 1903 the Great Hall and the south wing of the house were opened for a temporary art exhibition.
Today, the Museum houses a variety of displays encompassing; Natural History, Egyptology, Local History, Textiles, Decorative Art and Regional Furniture. In July 2005 the Heritage Lottery Fund announced that the Council’s application for £2 million grant to help fund a major programme of restoration. This also involved the building of a new visitors centre and cafe on the east wing of the existing building.
Art Galleries
The art galleries are particularly fine and are highly recommended. There is a surprisingly sophisticated collection of paintings, romantic Victorian art, pre-Rafaelite art and earlier paintings. Of considerable note is the gallery's Waterhouse paintings (including the original 'Destiny') works by Poynter, the ovine-themed paintings of 'Cold Mutton' Farquahson, Zoffany and many more.
 Folyds Cross, built in 1520 and restored by Burnley Trust |
 An example of the woodland sculptures |
 Towneley war memorial |
[edit] Events
There are many yearly events held at Towneley due to its size and location, there is a lot of space for crowds and its in the centre of town. One of the largest events held is the Balloon Festival, other events include a classic cars show.
[edit] Sports
Several sports are played in Towneley Park, including football, cricket, bowls, rugby and tennis. There is also a pitch and putt course in the park.
[edit] Opening times
- Saturday & Sunday 12noon - 5.00pm
- Monday - Thursday 10.00am - 5.00pm
- Friday closed (private bookings only)
[edit] External links
Towneley Hall is open every day (except Friday) from 12noon-5pm. Booked groups can visit on Friday. Entry to Burnley residents and children/students is free. People visiting from outside the Borough are asked to pay £2.50 pp. (children/students remain free).
