THERE are 100 years of colourful history at Fulledge recreation ground in Burnley.

Buffalo Bill's Wild West show in 1904, with its thrilling horse-riding displays and mock shoot-outs, was the most spectacular of the many memorable events held on the urban field.

But, as visitors to the annual funfair know, the inconspicuous piece of land on the fringe of serene Towneley Park can be dramatically transformed in other ways.

Bought by the old Burnley Corporation this week in 1896, Fulledge rec has been used as a fairground, circus-site and sports pitch.

Historian James Howell (pictured), who lives a few yards from the ground on Admiral Street, has been researching an article for Burnley and District Historical Society's magazine, Retrospect.

He told the Citizen: "Lady O'Hagan, of Towneley Hall, sold the land to the corporation in April 1896. In the same month, many of the streets in the area were completed.

"They included Thursfield Road, Linby Street, Linden Street, Admiral Street, Lyndhurst Road, Mitella Street and Holmsley Street."

It was a year of great change for the area.

Three building companies rapidly erected hundreds of houses, making 1896 a record year for house-building in Burnley.

A few months later, Lady O'Hagan sold Towneley Hall to the council. In 1903 it became an art gallery and museum.

James added: "Until 1939, the ground was used for amateur cricket and football matches, and since 1959 it has housed the annual fair."

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