THE secrets of Bolton's past were laid bare this weekend as a series of historic buildings opened their doors to the public.

Visitors both young and old were allowed a sneak view into usually unseen corners of the town's heritage as part of the Civic Trust open days.

Those with a head for heights were given the rare chance to climb the 192 steps to the top of Bolton Parish Church and the English Civil War was brought to life as the landlord of the Man and Scythe pub magically transformed into a 16th Century predecessor.

Elsewhere, Smithills Hall, All Souls Church and the Bolton Steam Museum all allowed visitors in free as part of the four day event to celebrate English architecture and culture.

At the Man and Scythe, in Churchgate, landlord John Jewitt took visitors on a tour of its 12th Century cellars before donning the costume of Mr Cockerell, who ran the pub for a turbulent 40 years during the 1600s.

The larger than life character, who had a belly to match, is famed for becoming stuck up a chimney as he tried to flee the massacre of Roundhead soldiers, hundreds of whom were trampled to death under the hooves of the Cavaliers' horses outside the pub.

Mr Jewitt, who has run Britain's fourth oldest pub since 1996, also re-enacted the execution of the man responsible for the massacre, the seventh Earl of Derby. He said: "I am trying to make people aware of the history on their doorstep and to make them proud of it."

Along Churchgate, those who scaled the 190ft tower of the 132-year-old church were rewarded with the perfect vantage point from which to savour the town and its neighbouring boroughs.

Alan Forrester, tower captain of bell ringing and deputy church warden, said: "It is great to give people the chance to look at Bolton in a completely new way and to see the workings of this wonderful church."

Visitors to Smithills Hall, off Smithills Dean Road, were also given guided tours of the 14th century grade 1 listed building which included watchcraft demonstrations with audience participation.

Victorian engineering was also seen in all its glory at the Bolton Steam Museum, at Atlas Mill on Chorley Old Road.

More than 20 fully restored and working steam trains between 130 -160 years old were on display at the museum.