Clitheroe
 Castles |
This ancient market town lies just to the south of the Forest of Bowland tucked in the Ribble Valley, and because of its location has always been considered the capital of this forest region. Clitheroe is Lancashire's second oldest borough to Wigan, receiving its first charter in 1114, and is dominated by an eight hundred-year-old castle standing on a limestone crag high above the town. This ancient Norman castle, now partially ruined, has the smallest keep of any English fortress, and as visitors move inside, hidden voices relate the history of the castle to the accompaniment of suitable sound effects. The castle's last resident was Henry, Earl of Lincoln, who died in 1311. During the Civil War Clitheroe was staunchly Royalist, as were many other Lancashire towns where old established Catholic families stood by Charles I; this of course spelt disaster when the victorious Cromwellian armies took their revenge, although Clitheroe town and castle escaped the worst of the Parliamentarian excesses.
Found on a prominent mound close to the castle is Clitheroe Castle Museum, housing many exhibits and displays which reflect the history and geology of the Ribble Valley region. Archaeological finds illustrate life in the valley from the earliest period of occupation - here is the famous Hacking ferryboat restored to its former glory. There is also a recreation of an Edwardian kitchen, complete with sound effects that bring this turn of the century room to life. The history of nearby Salthill quarry is also explained; now a nature reserve and place of special scientific interest, the quarry is best known for the fossils found there. On a neighbouring hill stands the parish church of St Mary Magdalene, which although rebuilt by the Victorians was in fact founded in the 13 th century.
Clitheroe town retains much of its ancient character, and a winding main street climbs to the castle between rows of sombre limestone buildings flecked with white fronted Georgian houses. The old town well, in Wellgate, is still in good working order, and water continues to flow from the medieval Heald and Stocks wells. The charming Civic Hall Cinema, built in the 1920's, retains its plush velvet seating and its grand piano that was used to accompany silent films. The Royal Grammar School was established in 1554, replacing an earlier one, and the town's official charter granted by Mary Tudor, was eventually discovered in 1990, hidden in a solicitor's vaults. On the outskirts of town Edisford Picnic Area is a popular place for family outings, as are the stepping stones at Brungerley; the latter, it should be pointed out, are said to be haunted by an evil water spirit that drags travellers to a watery grave every seven years.
Four miles to the east of Clitheroe rises Pendle Hill; some 1831ft in height it offers the most spectacular of views, particularly westward to the Forest of Bowland and beyond over the Fylde Plain and Irish Sea. In 1652 George Fox had a vision on the summit, which led him to preach and form the Society of Friends. These are ancient hunting grounds and Pendle Hill, with its surrounding tiny villages, has a rich and mysterious history attached to it - mostly due to its virtual isolation, legends and superstition abound. The most tragic of these superstitious fears is that of devil worship, as was supposedly visited upon the area early in the 17 th century. The infamous Pendle Witch trials were held in 1612 - of the witches tried at Lancaster Castle 19 came from the Pendle area. On the 10 th August 10 women and one of their sons were found guilty of witchcraft and publicly hanged before huge crowds. In 1633 there were further accusations of evil practices, more trials and 4 prisoners shackled and paraded off to London to be displayed there.
Something of this old dark tragedy still broods over Pendle, and many memories and places that hark back to those grim days remain. Those wishing to learn more about the trials should visit the Pendle Heritage Centre at Barrowford to the south-east of the hill. Historically, the hill was also one of the many beacon hills throughout the country that, forming a chain, were lit in times of national crisis, such as the sighting of the Spanish Armada.