History

Bradshaw Hall, Turton, Blackburn

Bradshaw Hall was described as being 2.5 miles N.N.E. of Bolton-le-Moors. The manor itself is believed to date from the 12th century, with Bradshaw Hall being referred to in deeds of 1666, being purchased by Henry Bradshaw in 1693. Henry Bradshaw's father, Lieutenant Colonel Henry Bradshaw then of Marple and Wyberslegh, Cheshire, was one of the individuals who formed the Parliamentary court-martial for the trial and condemnation of the Earl of Derby. Other bygone records show that a builder Jordon Walkden, obtained trees from neighbouring Ralph Orells' land to repair Bradshaw Hall, which was at the time in the hands of Alexander Bradshaw who died in 1514.

Bradshaw Hall was located to the west of Bradshaw Road and East of Bradshaw Brook, with a lodge and second entrance located on the Turton Road South of Egerton. In 1948/49 the 17th century Bradshaw Hall was demolished by the Bleachers Association, the stone porch being preserved as testament to this historic building. However in 1989 the preserved stone porch was accidentally destroyed when a nearby chimney fell the wrong way during demolition. The problem was however resolved when the sites developers agreed to included the rebuilt porch as a feature in the new housing development.

The rebuilt porch

Bradshaw works next to the hall is believed to have been established in 1780 adjacent to Bradshaw Brook which formed the basis of industrial development in the area, which closed in 1963. Throughout the 19th century the works was enlarged by the Hardcastle family who lived at Bradshaw Hall between 1834 and 1948 (Kelly's 1924 Lancashire Directory names Lt-Col. Henry Marmaduke Hardcastle T.D. D.L., J.P. as resident at Bradshaw Hall). The estate also contained a water driven corn mill, together with a fulling mill used to thicken the woolen cloth. In the 17th century pure wool textiles were replaced by a mix of woolen and linen, and in the 18th century by cotton. Another nearby fulling Mill 'Horrobin Mill' which had changed to a bleachworks by 1780, now lies beneath the waters of the reservoir, having ceased trading in 1941.

The Manor of Bradshaw originally included the Jumbles area. The Bradshaw family where also part instrumental in financing the building of St Maxentius Church which was opened in 1872.

A series of six lakes which original stored water for use in the hall and works, is now home to a fishery stocked with fine fish including 30lb carp and is managed by Bradshaw Fisheries UK.