A journalist takes a fascinating look at some of the best places to visit across Lancashire in his new book, with plenty of East Lancs landmarks making the list.

Lindsay Sutton’s ‘111 places in Lancashire and Morecambe that you shouldn’t miss’ features some well-known and not so well-known Ribble Valley sites including, Clitheroe Castle, Hark to Bounty Inn, The White Bull and the St Hubert’s RC Church, known as the ‘Winning Post Church’.

The book takes an intriguing look into how and why some of these buildings and structures have continued to inspire people both travellers and locals. 

It includes images by David Taylor and useful tips for those who wanting to journey out to the spots listed.

Readers find out why Eric Morcambe was ‘born in the wrong house’ and what a ‘Whammel’ and a ‘Nobby’ are. The book also explores where J.R.R.Tolkein wrote Lord of the Rings and what exactly was the Devil’s Bridge ‘deal’ at Kirby Lonsdale?

Lindsay said he was keen to explore the background to such stories and questions as well as shed some light on aspects of Lancashire folklore.

He said: “I know the region really well having lived and worked here for many years.

“It would have been impossible to include everything but I did want to feature those places that people would not be aware of.

“I wanted to include the quirky facts that even people who live locally may not know.

“One of the best compliments I got recently was speaking to gentleman in Lancaster who said he had learnt something new of his home city.”

Lindsay, who worked at the Lancashire Telegraph in 1970s has lived in the Burnley, Blackburn, Pendle and the Ribble Valley area and now lives near Ramsbottom.

Lindsay previously wrote ‘Sands of Time’, which explored the changes in Morecambe Bay, looked at through the perspective of Cedric Robinson, the longest-serving Queen’s Guide to the Sands. 

It is this background knowledge and love for the region that helps him to shine a spotlight on ‘insignificant’ structures and signs that people may well walk past on a daily basis without knowing the story behind them.

Moreover, it is an absorbing guide to stories, people and buildings that makes for some compelling reading.

Of Oliver Cromwell’s heavy metal gig at Stonyhurst College he writes, ‘Just wearing a suit of armour must have been demanding enough, let alone having to sleep in it.

“Yet, that’s precisely what Oliver Cromwell did when he spent a night at Stonyhurst College, the great Jesuit school in the heart of the Ribble Valley.’

Of St Wilfrid’s Church he says: "It’s hard to prove definitely but the question being asked makes for fascinating conjecture - did J.R.R Tolkien take the Hobbit name of ‘Drogo’ in his epic Lord of the Rings from a church notice board in old Lancashire?"

There on a painted board inside the Medieval St Wilfrid’s Church, in Ribchester in the heart of the Ribble Valley, is a list of rector dating from 1246 – the first of which is the single name ‘Drogo’.

Elsewhere, you could find out more about 'Bashful Alley', 'Dr Death's House' and the 'Headless Lady'.

Lancashire Telegraph:

St Hubert’s RC Church, also known as the Winning Post Church which was said to built from a proceeds of a win at the races, the Hark To Bounty Inn and the legendary Edmonson’s Shrimp Shop (Pictures: David Taylor)

In amongst the list are stand out features on eateries and shops such as the Edmonson’s Shrimp Shop.

Lindsay said: “As many people will know Morecambe is famous for its fish produce. Here, we have one of the last surviving shrimp shops which is visited by people across the region.

“It is in many ways we are paying homage to an industry that has been decimated.

“This particular shop is legendary.”

Also featured is the Jigsaw Lounge in Kirby Lonsdale of which Lindsay writes, “The Cerebral act of composting jigsaws is taken very seriously, with stocks of Ravensburger, Gibsons, House of Puzzles and Falcon Jigsaw among those on sale alongside the swap shop activity – subject to a small exchange fee – and the sale of boards and sorting trays. It’s serious, but joyful, business.’

The book also remembers the shameful history of the region and its connections to the slave trade.

As well as highlighting the Slave Shame Memorial in Lancaster he delves into the story behind the politically incorrectly named ‘Little Sambo’s Grave’. 

The significance of this spot for the local community is of real historical importance.

Lindsay said: “Lancaster has faced up to its slave past in many ways.

“With regards to the grave people still come to leave toys and small gifts in memory of a young boy who tragically died of an illness and was later buried at the spot.”

He writes: “Today, flowers and coloured stones are left by local children and in 2019, the grave was enclosed by a low stone wall. The original brass plaque, put on the grave by well-wishers, was stolen, but subsequently replaced. In the end, ‘Poor Sambo’ was afforded respect and peaceful repose.’

‘111 places in Lancashire and Morecambe that you shouldn’t miss’ is on sale in most bookshops and can also be purchased via Amazon.