The July heatwave feels long behind us – but it has uncovered a secret and historic feature at an East Lancashire National Trust site.
The National Trust say a “ghost garden” has appeared on the grounds of Gawthorpe Hall, which is located on Burnley Road in Padiham.
However, far from being eerie or supernatural the lack of rain and scorching temperatures have revealed parch marks, or footpaths, of a parterre garden, once walked upon by people in the Victorian era.
The Victorian parterre garden was installed in the 1860s to a design by Sir Charles Barry, who did the Victorian renovations inside Gawthorpe Hall; he is most known for his role in rebuilding the Houses of Parliament.
The parterre garden was removed in 1946 after the Second World War due to maintenance costs, and replaced with a lawn.
Rachel Pollitt de Duran, museum manager at Gawthorpe Hall, said it is “wonderful” to still see the remnants of the garden 75 years after it had been removed.
Rachel said: “We’re treated to glimpses of the parterre garden whenever there is dry weather, but the recent heatwave has made it particularly visible.
"You can really see the footpaths that Gawthorpe’s Victorian residents would have followed as they enjoyed the gardens.
“It’s wonderful that 75 years after the garden was removed following the Second World War, it still finds a way of revealing itself.
"We would advise visiting soon to see it for yourself as the parch marks won’t be around for long.”
Gawthorpe Hall is a superb Jacobean historic house set in over 40 acres of woodland.
On a visit you can stroll through the woods, take in the views across to Pendle Hill and children can enjoy the natural play area.
Inside the Hall's beautiful historic rooms show life as it was in the Victorian period for the Kay-Shuttleworth family and have a homely feel, despite the grandeur of the building.
You can find out more of its history from our friendly and informative volunteers and buy a guidebook in our shop.
Discover the life and textile collection of Miss Rachel Kay-Shuttleworth who grew up at the Hall.
Her Textile Collection is now displayed on the first floor from which you can also enjoy views over the south lawn.
With over 200 windows and its distinctive tall shape Gawthorpe Hall is unique in the architecture of Lancashire and has something for everyone to discover.
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