Drive & Stroll, with RON FREETHY

FOLLOWING my recent visit to Alkincotes in Colne several people suggested that I took a close look at Marsden Park in Nelson.

Nelson itself was created as as result of the Industrial Revolution but before that there were two ancient villages of Great Marsden and Little Marsden.

Both were part of the then huge Trawden Forest.

The earlier names were first Marclesdene, Merlesden and finally Marsden.

At the time of Edward III in the mid 14th century Henry, Duke of Lancaster gave the area of land to Richard de Walton. His descendant remained until 1845 when Thomas Wroe Walton died a bachelor. The property passed to Miss Walton but by 1911 the estate was purchased by the local authority.

Last year I feared that what was left of Walton Hall would disappear following the closure of a restaurant in 1998. Now there is a bright light at the end of a very dark tunnel.

A lottery grant of more than £1million has been given and the hall will soon be renovated, as will the surroundings. What will never be recovered is the open air swimming pool which gave so much pleasure during the summers of yesterday.

Close to the hall is a wonderful old sundial constructed in 1841. On it are pointers which tell the time in many parts of the world including the USA, Jerusalem, Calcutta, Buenos Aires, Moscow, London, Hermit's Isles, St Pedro, Cape Isabella, Rome, St Helena and Adams Park, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). On a dull but mild day I strolled around the park and the rest of the Walton Estate, including the hall. A plaque indicates that Marsden Hall was built in 1560. The affected conservatory is full of colourful plants and the garden areas are as fine as any in the area. Other old buildings still in existence are the Carriage House and the Pigeon Loft. Another interesting point is that in the period between 1845 and 1911 an asylum, set up by a Mr Bennett, operated. Like all town parks, many people do not appreciate how much wildlife thrives both in the trees and around the several pond areas. The presence of well-kept gardens attracts a host of butterflies during the warmer months and in the cold periods a lot of "townie" children enjoy feeding the birds. Resident species include great spotted woodpecker, tawny owl, moorhen and the mistle thrush, which this year had a clutch of eggs in its nest by March 2.

Great news is the fact that Marsden Hall seems about to lay a golden egg!