WHAT does a renowned scientist, the last man to be hung, drawn and quartered in Britain, and an antiques collector have in common?

They all lived at the historic Towneley Hall, home to the Towneley family for almost 500 years and the jewel in Burnley's cultural crown.

Science boffin Richard Towneley was a pioneer of meteorology and co-founded the Greenwich Observatory, while Charles Towneley's collection of artefacts led to a gallery at the British Museum named after him.

The eeriest story of the Grade One listed building, set in the vast green space of Towneley Park, is perhaps that of Francis Towneley.

Executed for high treason for his role in the Jacobite rebellion in 1745, his head was placed on a pike at London's Temple Bar before eventually being stolen and returned to Towneley Hall, where it was hidden behind a secret panel in the chapel for over 200 years.

It was finally buried in St Peter's Church in 1947.

Left to the people of Burnley in 1901, the hall now contains an array of collections, including an Egyptian mummy, the Whalley Abbey vestments, Royal Lancastrian Pilkington Pottery from the 20th Century, and an art gallery boasting works by Sir Lawrence Alma Tadema, John William Waterhouse and Johan Zoffany.

A range of activities and events are regularly held there, including a Christmas concert planned for Monday, December 8, and an NSPCC Carol concert and supper on Tuesday, December 9.

During the winter, the hall is open on Saturday and Sundays only.

For more information, visit www.burnley.co.uk/visit/culture/towneley-hall/