Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
balance beams above the top gates, which have to be lifted to open them, a process that is
complicated by their having to be padlocked down to prevent non-authorised interference.
Some of the lower locks, instead, have a screw arrangement, using a very coarse pitch of
threaded rod.
The lock flight at Lathom. The end houses are cut away to assist towropes
.
After the penultimate lock at Rufford, the canal passes a small Italianate Victorian church
with many monuments to the Hesketh family, who were local landowners. One sculpture,
dating from the late 1450s, memorialises no less than 11 offspring.
On the left is Rufford Old Hall, a timbered house, the finest 15th century building in Lan-
cashire, with Jacobean extensions; ornate hammer-beam roof; an intricately carved, immense
oak screen; fine collections of 16th century arms and armour and 17th century oak furniture;
as well as a folk museum, 6ha garden, shop and tea room. The house was once owned by
the Hesketh family. Shakespeare is thought to have performed here. There used to be a swing
bridge opposite the house. Although it has been removed, the route is still used by the Old
Grey Lady, a spectre crossing from the Old Hall.
