LANCASHIRE, like many rural counties, is dotted with historic houses and halls which were once owned by wealthy members of high society.

Nestled in the picturesque landscape around Longridge is the glorious Hothersall Hall, in Hothersall, tucked behind woodland on the banks of the River Ribble.

Hothersall Hall is the focus of this week's Readers' Recollections after receiving a beautiful early 1920s photograph from Edna Cattermole, of New Longton.

She writes: "My picture was taken at Lord and Lady Stanley's home Hothersall Hall, near Longridge, the heirs to the Earl and Countess's stately home at Knowsley Hall, near Liverpool.

"All these children were dancing teams from either Goosnargh or Whittingham schools and the grounds were full of visitors, having afternoon tea at the charity fete."

Mrs Cattermole, who was aged 10 at the time, recalls her dress was made of a willow patterned print and she wore a white mop cap. The boys donned smocks, breeches, sun hats and red handkerchiefs around their necks.

After digging through the history books it can be concluded that the Stanleys were relatives of the Derby family, who lived in the Longridge area, but it is unclear if the Stanleys ever lived or owned Hothersall Hall. It was owned by the Hothersall family until 1850, when it was bought by Sir James Openshaw, who had mills in Bury and property in Southport and Winckley Square. The hall was owned by the Openshaws until 1947.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.