Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
were formerly canal stables. Opposite is the Old Royal Infirmary, the first hospital in east
Lancashire, supported by subscription, including that of the canal company. The Atlantic
Hotel, Royal Oak and Moorings can provide refreshment in a town that hosts Thwaites brew-
ery.
The Blackburn to Bolton railway crosses before the canal heads out on to Ewood Aque-
duct. This crosses the B6447, beneath which the River Darwen is culverted. The large Ewood
Park football stadium of Blackburn Rovers is prominent. A further point of refreshment is the
Navigation Inn.
To the north of Riley Green, beyond two masts, is Hoghton Tower, a fortified hilltop man-
sion of 1562-1565, one of the best English Renaissance buildings, owned by the de Hoghton
family since the time of William the Conqueror and still owned by them, the second-oldest
baronetcy in the country. Shakespeare is said to have worked here for a time as a servant.
Better documented is the visit of James I in 1617, when the kilometre-long drive had a red
carpet laid and he enjoyed a loin of beef and probably a quantity of wine so much that he
drew his sword and knighted the meal. The name has stuck and sirloin steak can be found on
the menu of the local Boatyard Inn.
