Worden Park

Coordinates: 53°41′02″N 2°41′56″W / 53.684°N 2.699°W / 53.684; -2.699

Worden Park is a large area of parkland situated on the outskirts of Leyland, a town in the borough of South Ribble, Lancashire, England. It is less than a quarter of a mile from the town centre, yet is a peaceful and relaxed environment.

History

The Farington family

The Farington family purchased the house and surrounding lands of Shaw Hall after their original family seat - Old Worden Hall - was judged too small for the family's wealth and social status. With surrounding farmland, the Faringtons formed the park with Shaw Hall, now renamed Worden Hall, at its centre. The area outside the house was blossoming gardens. In 1941, there was a fire in the house, and most of the hall was severely damaged. The house remained standing until the local council purchased the Hall from the family after the war. The most damaged part of the hall was torn down; however what is left of the house and outbuildings can still be seen today. There is an ice house which visitors can view, a maze and a miniature railway that runs round the part of the park that is most visited....