TOWNELEY Hall in Burnley is now the peaceful Sunday afternoon venue for many a family outing, but the house once figured prominently in the English civil war.

And a major part of Burnley's pre-industrial history will come alive next week when local re-enactment enthusiasts stage a famous event in the hall's past.

As 17th century Roundheads and Cavaliers, Protestants and Catholics, struggled for power, the hall and its grounds were known mainly for their owner, the Roman Catholic Charles Towneley.

And after the Roundheads triumphed in their long fight with the Cavaliers in 1649, Towneley was confiscated and sold.

Charles Towneley, whose painting, by Zoffany, is one of the treasures of the museum's art collection, had died by the time the Roundheads took the hall in 1650.

History lovers from Burnley will give modern-day Burnley folk the chance to learn about the confiscation when they re-enact the event several times over four days.

From Sunday (May 19), the re-enactment crew will don authentic period costumes and put on the play, titled Living With the Enemy.

Shows begin at noon on Sunday and 10am Monday to Wednesday, and end at 5pm. Everyone is welcome to attend.

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