Local History 1 spent an interesting and informative morning, on a Churchtown walk, with Dave Walshe, a local historian, finding out about the events and people who shaped the local area of Churchtown.
Our tour began near The Hesketh Arms, originally called The Black Bull, an important landmark within the village. The inn has long been associated with the influential Hesketh family, whose ownership of land in the area played a major role in the development of Churchtown and the surrounding district.
We then moved on to the site connected with William Sutton, the Bold Arms originally known as “The Griffin”. We learned about William Sutton and the Bold family connections that helped shape local history and land ownership in the region.
One of the highlights of the morning was our stop at St Cuthbert’s Church. This beautiful and historic church stands at the heart of the village since the 18th century.We admired its impressive architecture and heard stories of generations who worshipped there, as well as the churchyard’s links to many notable local families.
Nearby, we explored The Kirkgate Stocks, a reminder of earlier forms of local justice and punishment. Dave explained how the stocks were once used publicly to punish minor offenders, reflecting the social customs and discipline of earlier centuries.
Another fascinating topic covered during the walk was the history of the horse-drawn trams that once travelled through the area. Dave explained how these early trams provided an important transport link before the arrival of electric systems and modern transport. It was interesting to imagine Churchtown during the Victorian era, with horse-drawn vehicles carrying passengers along the routes connecting the village to the growing seaside resort .
We stopped to witness where the Eagle comic was initially produced in a dilapidated corrugated building known at the Old Bakehouse in Botanic Road.
Overall, the morning was both enjoyable and informative. Dave’s knowledge, enthusiasm, and storytelling brought the history of Churchtown vividly to life, helping us appreciate the village’s unique heritage and the many historical layers hidden within its streets and landmarks.
