Firstly, I loved the house and the history surrounding it. It was built in 1783 for the Walker family who were industrialists - iron and steel. When they built the house and landscaped the surrounding parkland, it was well away from the town centre, but the town centre rapidly grew - leaving the house and park like a goldfish bowl.
I am currently finding "The Industrial Revolution" is one of my favorite bits in history. I think it is amazing to see and read about the grandeur that these industrialists lived in, whilst the working classes who made them their wealth struggled to survive.
As well as the story of the house and the history of the town, there are lots of interesting relics to see. I think Mr Bear is loved by visiting kids.
There are also lots of pieces from the very famous Rockingham Pottery. The kiln at the pottery in nearby Swinton still exists - I'll have to have a walk and take some photos for you. This is called "The Rhinoceros Vase". The only other one is in the V& A in London - I was quite amazed by this!
More gorgeous Rockingham Pottery
If you are local, I would say that Clifton Park Museum is well worth a visit of a wet weekend afternoon - and it is also very child friendly.I am still continuing with my walking "from" work - I'm not going to walk to work until the mornings get a bit lighter. I managed twice again this week - in very unfavourable conditions and still enjoyed it! I think I will love it once the weather is nicer and conditions under foot improve.
Ive had a morning at "Hobby Craft", so I am off to create now - I'll show you what Ive been getting up to later.
12 comments:
Good girl with the walking, it will pay dividends! Can't wait to see what you are creating! Have a lovely weekend Diane xx
Loving that china! Thanks for the comment re the film over at mine. I only found it via someone else, but it's a hoot, isn't it?
:O))))))))
love that china....and well done with the walking diane, and no unfortunately i am not married to donald so its work for me on monday!
ThankYou so much for this Beautiful and interesting tour :o)
ThankYou also for Your kind words on my blog xx
I shall definitely be back very soon to see what You have been getting up too ;o)
xxx
Sumea
Very interesting post. You're right about not seeing interesting attractions that are right on our doorstep!
I just can't get my family to come round these grand houses with me - maybe we should have some Bloggers' excurtions !
Poor bear has seen better days hasn't he ?
I loved doing the industrial revolution at school & try to catch any TV programmes about it - what a time for incredible invention & progress
Good for you. I did tell myself that once I retired I'd visit more local galleries and museums but I get into town so rarely that the shops always attract. I'll make a bigger effort this year, thanks for the reminder.
As you know I love Museums and town musuems with all sorts of objects and diplays fascinate me. The Rockingham china is lovely. Look forward to seeing what you make after your visit to Hobbycraft:)
Very Impressed that you chose culture over shopping! Good work!
I agree with you the Industrial Revolution is a fascinating period in our history.
I have been pleasantly surprised by how much I have enjoyed Michael Portillo's trip around Britain by train.(BBC2 week nights 6.30pm)Loved the piece about building of the epic viaduct at Ribble (I think it was Ribble?)
Sarah x
I always enjoy your history/geography lessons! Everso interesting as usual :-)
Thanks for the tour. I'm aiming to get to know or revisit attractions more local to us. Oh yes, and thanks for popping in and leaving a comment on my blog.
Thanks for sharing Diane. When I was at school I hated The Industrial Revolution it always seemed so grey & boring....but when I grew up I loved it!!! I still do...my history teacher told me 95% of students felt the same...makes me wish I was back at school now.
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