“THE PRIDE OF LANCASHIRE."

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17835, 1 May 1926, Page 19 (Supplement)

“THE PRIDE OF LANCASHIRE."

| Lathom Hall, which has now been destroyed, was an historic Grecian [ mansion, the seat of the Earls of'Lai thorn. Jt was known in Lancashire as | the “ Pride of Lancashire.” The house, which until recently stood about twr miles from Ormskirk, was built in the middle of the eighteenth century, but before it was built another more notable Lathom Hall stood bn the same spot. This was built by Robert de Lathom in the time of Edward J. It was made famous in the Civil War by the gallant defence made by the beautiful Countess of Derby against the troops of Cromwell. Lord Derby had marched to join King Charles, leaving his wife with a guard of 300 men and servants. Lathom House was fortified with a wall two yards thick, strengthened by nine towers, each of which contained six pieces of cannon and with a palisade and moat within! The Parliamentary army threw up earthworks some 200 }-ards away from the walls. General Fairfax, who was in* charge of the besieging army, ordered Lady Derby to “ yield up Lathom House upon honourable conditions, and mercy shall be shown to your husband." Lad}' Derby, however, refused to give in, and she lashed’ the Royalist banner to the Eagle Tower, and conducted the defence with energy and calm courage. She sent out successful sallies, effecting captures o? both arms and prisoners, with but verv little loss.