Read and Simonstone run one into the other, but several readers have asked how Huntroyd fits into the complex of settlements.

Huntroyd simply means a woodland devoted to hunting and in the middle ages it was used by John of Gaunt, the Duke of Lancaster.

Some of the ancient oak trees in the area may well have been mere saplings at the time of the Civil War.

Huntroyd Hall is still privately owned and for almost 500 years it was the power-base of the Starkie family.

Their crest includes an image of a stork and this accounts for the name of the pub between Read and Simonstone.

The Starkies originally came from Cheshire, but in 1464 the owner of the lands was John Simonstone.

In that year he died leaving only a daughter. She married Edmund Starkie and the Simonstone estate was settled on the couple and their offspring.

In 1576 the Starkies demolished the old hunting lodge and erected a fine mansion house.

In 1777 the mansion was extended and further additions and extensions were added in 1850.

I have a couple of excellent photographs showing Huntroyd as it was in 1905 and is a part of Lancashire's history which should not be forgotten.

I always believe that private houses should have their peace guaranteed, but views of its grounds can be enjoyed by strolling around the splendid garden centre.

The tradition of the Starkies was to paint their associated farms and cottages red and this tradition is still maintained.

Now that the days are getting longer, a stroll around the Huntroyd area is a joy with birdsong echoing from the marvellous old trees, especially the ancient oaks.