TURTON is a district which is much admired both by those who live there and visitors who travel to enjoy the countryside and attractions the area has to offer.

Local residents are fiercely proud of Turton and recently Turton Local History Society celebrated its 40th anniversary — proof, if proof ever proof were needed, that the area is much-loved. and admired.

The society has arranged its spring programme of events and talks and today (Wednesday) there will be a talk on Harwood Enclosures by Fred Horridge.

At the February 25 meeting David Lewis will speak about Mining in the Lake District and the "Life and Times of Fred Dibnah" is the title of the talk on March 25, by Alf Molyneux.

Eddy Bevitt will speak about "Father's Medals" on April 22.

All the meetings are held at Longsight Methodist Church Community Hall, Longsight, Harwood and start at 7.30pm. Non-members are welcome to attend and entrance is £2. The society's numerous, interesting, publications and CDs are available to buy at all the monthly meetings.

Turton Tower is arguably the most famous of all Turton landmarks and its history is fascinating.

It is situated in Chapeltown in North Turton in the borough of Blackburn with Darwen and is a scheduled ancient monument and grade one listed building.

Turton Tower evolved from being a simple stone Pele tower, which was built around 1420 as a defensive fortress, to an impressive and comfortable residence by the Tudor and early Stuart period., according to the Friends of Turton Tower.

The simple stone structure was added to with timber extensions by the Orrell family transforming it to a lavish house. In doing so, however, it would appear that they overspent and were forced to sell.

The tower was purchased by Humphrey Chetham in 1628. The Orrells continued to live on at the tower renting the tower from him.

During the Civil War (1642-1650), the Orrells were Cavaliers where the Chethams supported the Roundheads and this must have made for interesting times at the tower when Chetham garrisoned his troops within the Turton estate.

The Greene and Frere families were the owners in the late 18th and early 19th centuries and they continued this tradition of keeping houses elsewhere although the house was occupied for some time by members of the Horrocks family who are still numerous in this area.

The arrival of the Kay family in 1835 saw Turton Tower transformed into a romantic Gothic building. They changed the south front, built a "mock Tudor" extension and rebuilt the Summer House which is now on private ground but can be viewed from the Tower. They supported the building of the railway nearby and created a tennis court in the grounds.

The Kays departed in the 1890s and, after occupation by several more tenants, the property was purchased by Sir Lees Knowles and used as a hunting lodge and weekend retreat.

On his death in 1929 Lady Nina Knowles, his widow, gave the Tower and grounds to Turton Urban District Council to use for the benefit of the public. Since then the Tower has been used as council offices and since 1974 as a museum and historic house. Turton Tower is now owned by Blackburn with Darwen council.

Turton Tower opens in late March to October Wednesday to Sunday and Bank Holidays from 11am until 4pm.

Entrance Fee to the house is £6 and £5 for concessions.

There is no fee for accompanied children.

The Victorian Tea Room opens when the Tower is open and on the same days through out the winter months from 10:30am until 5pm.

The grounds and children's play area are open throughout the year.

Another great reason to visit Turton is the countryside and the many opportunities for walks in the area.

Not too far away, in Bradshaw, is Jumbles Country Park which offers an ideal venue for the whole family to enjoy the views and get plenty of exercise and fresh air.

Jumbles Reservoir was opened in 1971 and there is even the opportunity to spot the remains of the mill houses that used to grace the land before the reservoir was built.

It is a very popular spot, particularly as the weather starts to improve, and if you have not been then well worth a visit.

Between Chapeltown and Egerton are the remains of prehistoric stone circles on moorland at Cheetham Close which date back to the Bronze Age. These stone circles are the earliest evidence for settlers in the Turton area. One of the circles was 15 metres (51 ft) in diameter and some of the stones were several feet in height.

In the 19th century there were many uninvited visitors to the site which caused the local farmer, a tenant of Turton Tower, to break it up in 1871 using his team of carthorses and sledge hammers. Before this happened, antiquarian, Gilbert French, had made sketches, maps and plans and written a detailed description which is now in Bolton Reference Library.

To the south are the remains of another circle, slightly larger in circumference, which is thought to have been a livestock enclosure.

Here at Looking Back we would love to hear from local residents who can talk about Turton and have memories of the village they would like to share.

If you do have stories to tell about Turton and the surrounding districts, do get in touch with Gayle McBain on 01204 537269 or email gayle.mcbain@nqnw.co.uk