The placing of The Conservatory in Blackburn's Corporation Park on Historic England’s 2018 Heritage at Risk Register has dismayed one reader.

Local history enthusiast Barbara Riding has happy memories of it stretching back for more than 80 years.

They start with visits herself as a child, then taking her children and her granddaughter to enjoy the colourful displays, trees and plant life in the glasshouse, opened in 1857.

Now she reveals the interesting and amusing stories behind its history as revealed in the minutes of Blackburn Town Council recorded more than century ago:

"1880: The Park's Committee resolved that the Pheasant Pen be dispersed with and a vicious peacock be destroyed.Certain holly trees had been wilfully cut and damaged. The Town Clerk be instructed to put a notice in the Park offering a reward of £5 for the conviction of the offenders.

"1882: Following a suicide in the Park Lake, the Town Clerk read a letter to the Watch Committee enclosing a statement made by the jury at the Inquest, “proper grappling irons ought to be provided and kept in the Park for use at all times.” Resolved that the Chief Constable procure four pairs of grappling irons and one pole.Advise a railing be put round the large lake.

1886: The chairman of the Park's Committee and Alderman Dixon purchase a pony for the park and dispose of the old one.The Watch Committee to cause additional Police Constables in plain clothes to watch in the Park during April, May and June every year to prevent birds' nest being taken.

1893: The general Purposes Sub-committee be requested to carry out illuminations in the Park on July 6th on the occasion of the Royal Marriage. (the Duke of York and Princess May of Teck).

1898: Resolved that cyclists be allowed to walk their machines through the Corporation Park and notices will be affixed at the main entrances to this effect.

1900: The Chairman of the Park's Committee reported that on February 3rd, the Pendle Forest Hunt, whilst in pursuit of a red deer, entered the Corporation Park where the deer had taken refuge. A letter had been received from the Master of the Hunt, apologising for the trespass and asking to be forgiven for the liberty they had taken. Apology accepted."

The Conservatory also had its own by-laws including: No person shall take or permit a dog therein; No person shall smoke in the Conservatory; No person shall take in a bicycle, mail cart, go-cart, perambulator or any other vehicle; All persons are requested not to touch the plants; and Any person found loitering near the Palm House after dusk will be prosecuted.