Virtual return?

Sunday, 28 June 2009 15:22

Only I have just been reminded that I promised a blog on the town of Garstang. So before we leave the Lancaster Canal area, here is a virtual tour of said town.

Firstly, I must say that our overall impression was that the residents really care about their town. It is tidy, well looked after and the floral artistry is wonderful. No wonder they enter the Britain in Bloom each year. Actually I wonder if that is the chicken or the egg - which came first, the pride or the competition?

Flower beds by the car park

How about this for a view from your car park?

House with topiary garden

Secondly, they have a rather old Market House which sells wonderful local produce - meat, cheese, cakes etc. It was built in 1843, but became the fire station in 1919. It is now restored to its former role. There is also a big market on Thursdays (established in 1310) and I understand that is worth a visit.

Old Market Prices

Thirdly, there are a few (just a few!) pubs and all have some sort of history. So a visitor has their choice of watering holes and places to stay.

Royal Oak, an old coaching inn and Market Cross

The Eagle and Child Hotel

There are others - including The Kings arms, The Crown, The Wheatsheaf and finally -

Th'owd Tithebarn by the canal

Fourthly, for me there is plenty of history! Garstang has been around a long long time! Neolithic and Bronze Age artefacts have been found in the area. It is thought that the name of the town is Saxon in origin. Edward II granted the Market Charter in 1310.

The town is criss crossed by medieval weinds - little lanes rather like our Cornish alleys.

St Thomas' Weind

The oldest cottage in the village now looks rather sad as it was rebuilt in 1984. It still retains the very thick walls. The oak timbers inside were carbon dated to the 1590's.

It was originally a thatched, cruck cottage

There are a number of other interesting old buildings - all with the ubiquitous blue plaques!

The Town Hall

Cottages in the High Street adapted to be shops

Fifthly, being "us" we found the church - St Thomas'

It is fairly simple in design and has had a new adaptation to give it a room at the back. The Diocese of Blackburn seem to be rather keen on this sort of facility as we have been in a number of churches with similar rooms!

The nave

John had a play on the electronic clavinova - it has some amazing abilities and a choir was accompanying his playing at one point. All at the touch of a button! The Vicar came in and we had a bit of a chat. He has a total congregation of 235 most Sundays!

You may gather that we think the town is worth a visit. There are plenty of visitor moorings. The river walk from the Wyre aqueduct is a lovely way of walking in to the town and it brings you out right by the new Sainsbury's! But do not forget to patronise the local shops - it is well worth it!

Phew - there is my Sunday afternoon, "well gone"!

>>> View Next Post		View Previous Post <<<