(Cover image - © Hoghton Tower)
One of the best things I love about being a student is the chance to explore different parts of the country and learn more about parts of British history that you might not have known before. Exploring Hoghton Tower in Lancashire was truly an experience for me; not being from Lancashire and knowing that I will be living here for the foreseeable future meant that I wanted to learn more about the history of Lancashire, more that of Preston. I started searching for nearby historical sites that would offer me a glimpse into the past and a chance to connect more with my future home.
And Hoghton Tower spoke out to me.
It was the image above that first attracted me to this beautiful building; it looked so magnificent yet so quaint at the same time. I instantly knew that I wanted to visit it and with Hoghton Tower hosting a Farmer's Market every month, this was my chance. But before I tell you about all the things I loved about Hoghton Tower, let us first explore the history surrounding this mysterious building.
The History behind Hoghton Tower
Although Hoghton Tower is more famously known for its links to the Tudor/Elizabethan era, the land of which Hoghton Tower stands has been in the possession of the de Hoghton family from at least the 12th century (with one on-site expert believing the de Hoghtons first possessed this land in 1109). Hoghton Tower stands on top of a large hill in what is known as the Pendle range in Preston and nearly covers a mile of land, meaning that it can be seen quite easily whenever you drive past the area.
Not much is known about the original architecture since, as you can assume, the current building boasts both 16th century and 19th/20th century designs since many reconstructed Hoghton Tower over the centuries as well as the reconstruction following the Civil War, which we will come to in just a moment.
The present house dates from around 1560 to 1565 which coincides with the rise of the de Hoghton family. Not much is known about the family prior to 1565 but what we do know is that the de Hoghton family first rose to popularity in 1611 when the de Hoghtons of Hoghton Tower became a Baronetage title, created on 22nd May 1611 (according to a local expert). For those who do not know, a Baronetage title symbolizes one of the highest ranks in British aristocracy and it meant that you were someone of great importance (just like it is today with the royal family). It was Richard Hoghton, a member of parliament for Lancashire, who was bestowed the honor of being the 1st Baronet for his family and it is said that he wore this title with pride.
This bestowing of a high title came as no surprise to the de Hoghtons, whose history of owning land in Lancashire went back to the reign of King Stephen (1135 to 1154) and had been bestowed the title of Knights of the Shire (did you think of Lord of the Rings too?) since the 14th century. To the de Hoghtons, this title was something to be achieved through loyalty and worthiness. And they, from what history tells us, certainly were. Currently, Sir (Richard) Bernard Cuthbert de Hoghton who was born in 1945 is the last de Hoghton Baronet, as he is the 14th.
It was as a result of their rise in social status that Hoghton Tower would soon play host to their most famous guest and arguably one of the most famous men in British history: Sir William Shakespeare.
An oral tradition at Hoghton Tower is that the great playwright William Shakespeare worked for the de Hoghtons during his teenage years, possibly between the late 1570s and early 1580s. One expert at Hoghton Tower told me that 'whilst not much is known about William Shakespeare's early life, it is our pride and joy to hold to the claim that the de Hoghtons' might have known him before he rose to fame'. He spoke on about how Alexander Hoghton encouraged and a support a small theatre at Hoghton Tower where many performance of plays were held and requested that two men, a Fulk Gyllom and William Shakeshaft, be well looked after during their time there. Mind you, this was during a Catholic period in England where Protestant playwrights took on allises to protect their identities and considering the closeness to his name, might this have been the famous William Shakespeare?
Be that as it may, many historians argue against this being a fact and more a well-woven tale to improve the reputation of the de Hoghtons. After all, Alexander was the brother of Thomas Hoghton the man responsible for building Hoghton Tower who had been exiled and killed in a family feud in 1589 shortly after Shakespeare was reported to have stayed at the site. Historians believe that Alexander, wanting to protect his family's reputation and social status as well as seeing the rise of William Shakespeare's plays in the early 1590s, made up a 'small white lie' about Shakespeare's presence at Hoghton Tower in order to get back in society's good graces.
Whether or not it is true, it must have worked to some extent as the family has remained in good favor and kept their ancestral home since then.
Tragedy struck later along the line for the de Hoghtons during the period of the Civil War which took place between August 1642 and May 1652. Hoghton Tower suffered severe damages as a result of the Civil War and was for a brief period left derelict by the family who were suffering financial hardship at the time. Thankfully, Hoghton Tower was restored to its original beauty as it was rebuilt and extended between the years 1862 and 1901, bringing it out of its dark days and back into the limelight.
(© Hoghton Tower)
No further changes have been made to exterior since, but of course with the times changing, the family have made changes to their own private residences on site whilst the unchanged interior remains open to the public. Hoghton Tower is now protected by its own trust; the Hoghton Tower Preservation Trust which is responsible for charging the general public for access to the site in order to continue to fund and preserve this glorious Lancashire beauty.
It was also featured in an episode of Peaky Blinders, where Hoghton Tower was used to depict St Hilda's Orphanage in Birmingham where Cillian Murphy and the late Helen McCrory's characters (Thomas 'Tommy' Shelby and Polly Grey) can be seen questioning the Orphanage Mother Superior over concerns the nuns were beating children. This scene can be seen in episode 3 of season 5. How amazing!
(Peaky Blinders © BBC )
Visiting the Farmer's Market
If there was anything I loved more than exploring Hoghton Tower, both inside and outside, it was being able to be a part of the monthly Farmer's Market held onsite. What I loved about the Farmer's Market was that all of the people and small businesses that attended were local to the area, which meant that someone who was not originally from the area a.k.a. me, could learn more about the people and history and be a part of it. From mouth-watering food stands where burgers, onion bhajis, brownies and much more could be found, to farmers selling their freshest produce, to jewelry and pottery makers to dog equipment experts to florists to wildlife preservations, there was so much to see.
Not one stall was the same and it felt like a never-ending maze of wonders to find. No wonder me and my friend ended up spending the whole day there until closing time!
(© Hoghton Tower)
If I can recommend anything to someone wanting to go to Hoghton Tower, I offer you the following advice:
Wear comfy shoes! Like I said, Hoghton Tower is on top of a hill and boy, is it steep! I would recommend wearing trainers or walking shoes or perhaps wellies as it can be pretty muddy, but definitely not heels or boots. Just something comfortable that you don't mind getting muddy!
Explore the outside before the inside! It is just my personal opinion but I would recommend spending time outside before venturing inside as there are so many beautiful sites to see such as the views from the Tower and the gardens. You can snap some good pictures so make sure you charge your phone!
Take cash as well as card! If you are wanting a snack or going to attend the Farmer's Market, I would 100% recommend bringing both cash and card with you. Hoghton Tower does accept card but they do sometimes experience issues with card payment in the Tea Room and the entry fees are usually only accepted in cash unless you pre-booked online. Plus some of the vendors at the Farmer's Market only accepted cash whilst some liked card better. Better safe than sorry.
And that's all the advice I have for you. I do hope you consider taking a look at Hoghton Tower as its really a picturesque place to visit and I made sure to spend the entire day there, taking in all the sights.
What place should we visit next?
Let us know in the comments!
Until then...
- Have a ‘Tudor-fic’ week!
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