TOWN hall chiefs considered moving one of the town’s most famous historical landmarks — because it is a trip hazard.

The authority has been mulling over options for the historic footprint of Protestant preacher George Marsh, which can be found on a slab in the drawing room of Smithills Hall.

Legend has it that the footprint was made by Marsh when he stamped down as he refused to renounce his faith and convert to Catholicism in 1554.

After being captured by the authorities at Smithills, Marsh was later burned at the stake.

The famous footprint — which is preserved in a glass and metal frame — is one of the many draws for history fans who travel from far and wide to Smithills Hall.

But it appears it is now deemed a health and safety risk.

According to planning papers, the glass is regarded as a potential slip hazard and the metal frame could cause people to trip up over its exposed corners.

There is also concern that condensation building up on the underside of the glass could cause “long term decay issues” for Bolton’s most famous footprint.

Bolton Council has considered a range of options for dealing with the various issues.

One idea was to move the footprint flagstone entirely and reset it in an adjacent corner of the room, replacing it with a section of reclaimed stonework.

A second option also involved moving the slab and placing it in a dedicated display and information case nearby.

However history buffs will be pleased to hear that in a planning application, the authority has settled on a plan that does not involve moving the sentimental slab at all.

The proposed scheme involves constructing a smaller metal frame around the slab, with perimeter ventilations and lifting the level of the surrounding flags in order to prevent any future slips or trips.

Smithills councillor Roger Hayes thinks the proposal represents a common sense move.

He said: “Smithills Hall is one of Bolton’s most important historical sites and things like the footprint of George Marsh are a big part of that.

“I think it is really important that we try to preserve as much of our historical identity as possible.

“We have got to balance history and heritage with things like health and safety.”

GEORGE MARSH

When Catholic Queen Mary came to the throne in 1553, many Protestant’s left the country to escape persecution, but Marsh remained in England and continued preaching.

Born in Deane, Marsh returned to his hometown in 1554.

Lord Derby, the Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire, had ordered the Lancashire justices of the peace to apprehend Marsh if he appeared in Bolton.

Marsh came to Smithills Hall voluntarily and Robert Barton, the owner of the hall and local justice of the peace, questioned him in the hall — after the examination he was taken to Lancaster prison to await trial.

It is said that as he was leaving Smithills Hall, Marsh stamped his foot on the flagstone as a declaration of his faith.

After standing trial for heresy he was burned at the stake for refusing to deny his Protestant beliefs in 1555.