Enjoying retirement
In The Red Rose County
A boiling hot day, and we had booked a tour of Hoghton Tower. Less than half an hour from Clitheroe we drove through magnificent and totally unspoilt country to get there. Hoghton Tower was built in 1565 by Thomas Hoghton, but he was far from the first builder on site; previous structures here date all the way back to 1109. The hilltop location, which made Hoghton Tower strategically crucial for centuries, now guarantees brilliant views to the Lakes, the Irish Sea and Wales (including Blackpool Tower). We were the only people on the tour, and so had a personally conducted tour by the head guide Steve, who was so enthusiastic and appreciative of our interest, that we spent a good two hours looking round. A real privilege. Hoghton was damaged during the Civil War and subsequently became derelict, but was rebuilt and extended between 1862 and 1901. Inside photos not allowed, so I just include one from their site. Hoghton Tower is the ancestral home of the de Hoghtons, who still own this Grade I listed building, and live in the right wing as seen in the aerial photo. In fact as we were leaving at closing time, Sir Bernard De Hoghton interrupted his mobile call to the City and stood outside the gate with us admiring the view and chatting. You can't get more personal than that! We didn't have time to see the gardens but will definitely return. On reflection, I later wrote with my suggestions as to how the Tower might be better marketed and sold. It is a real jewel of Lancashire but doesn't come high on various searches. Frustrating.
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Keith & Frances SmithArchives
August 2023
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