Red or white rose, it's still a beauty

IT is interesting to find that Waddington is split in two by a brook, on the banks of which are the Coronation Gardens, which celebrated Elizabeth II coming to the throne.

These are so colourful that they have become famous. I wonder what can be done to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee. Between now and the end of October, Waddington will be full of colour, history and natural history.

I could hardly believe it -- two beautiful spring days for my drive and strolls. I reached Waddington on a hot spring morning and parked close to the Higher Buck Hotel. Nearby I soon found the early 18th century Parker alms houses, also known as Waddington Hospital.

The square, which makes up the hospital, has cottages on three sides and was designed to provide accommodation for 29 widows and spinsters. I spoke to one resident who asked me: "Can you imagine living in a more beautiful place?" I replied that I could not especially on such a lovely spring morning.

Apart from the cottages, I also noted a very pretty chapel and a solid-looking pump set on a majestic green. On a stone plaque over the arched entrance is an inscription pointing to the fact that the hospital was the gift of Robert Parker, of Marley, in Hull.

We should remember that until the boundary changes of 1974, Waddington was in Yorkshire. Most villagers still believe that Lancashire should not have "pinched" the settlement.

My trek up on Waddington Fell proved that I am not so young as I was and I generated a lot of sweat and a distinct shortage of breath. I persuaded myself that the view would be worth the effort and as I passed the Moorcock Hotel the scenery was spectacular.

A skylark was singing, which was a happy sound because this species has been declining rapidly in recent years. A trickle of clear water issued from Walloper Well and on a stream I watched a grey wagtail carrying nesting material in its bill.

The downhill journey was much easier and I could see why Waddington was sited at this point. It derives its name from Wada, who was a Saxon chief. His power base was in the grounds of Waddow Hall.

Wada set off from this point to fight the Battle of Billangahoh, which is now called Billington, near Whalley. Poor old Wada was killed in the battle but at least his name is commemorated in the name of the village.

There is now a network of footpaths around the Coronation Gardens from which there are splendid views of the church and the stream. The church of St Helen looks to be 15th century but in fact it had to be largely rebuilt.

The tower, built in 1501, remains and the rest of the building was constructed of local stone which was also used to build the older church. Look out for the stained glass in the west window, which is a history lesson for those interested in Waddington.

It is interesting to remember that stained glass in churches was useful in the days when many people could not read. It was a sort of visual aid. This window tells the story of Wada and also St Helen, the patron saint.

She was said to be a British princess, born in York, who became a Christian. She was the mother of Constantine the Great, who embraced his mother's religion and was therefore largely instrumental in establishing the Roman Catholic religion.

Wada was not the only warrior to suffer in the Waddington area. On the main Clitheroe road is the Waddington Old Hall, part of which may date back to the 11th century, now in private hands and in fine condition.

Here sheltered King Henry VI after his defeat at Hexham in 1464. He tried to continue his escape but was captured by the rival Yorkists while crossing the River Ribble at Brungerley.

Waddington to my mind is an underrated village which deserves its place in Lancashire's history, having won the best-kept village award on several occasions.

There is a sign post in the Coronation Gardens pointing out that Waddington won Yorkshire's best kept village competition in the 1960s.

In my opinion it deserves all the awards, be it Tyke or Lankie!