Abbey Street

Atarah · 01-03-2004, 00:16

Hi, wonder if any of you know what this building used to be, the one that is now used by Maundy Grange. Its the building more or less central in the photo, has a black blind over the large window, and looks as though there are some red lights in the window also.

Tealeaf · 01-03-2004, 14:37

Red Lights? Was it a house of ill-repute?

Bagpuss · 01-03-2004, 19:23

For my first guess was it a Blacksmiths?

Atarah · 03-03-2004, 21:24

The building on the photo used to be a public house, one of the many that used to be along this particular stretch of Abbey Street.

It was called The Lark Inn and was one of the old time beerhouses! It had its licence taken away many years ago (c1906) At one time Abbey Street ended here and formed an open court. A garden formerly occupied the space in front. Behind was open fields, leading to some Lodge gates at the bottom of what is now Avenue Parade. (the Lodge being the Lodge house for Accrington House, a fabulous mansion which used to be in the area and which was demolished in 1889) The mansion was situated approx. at the top of Oswald Street/bottom of Bold Street. er ... ever wondered why Mansion Street was named? Well, now you know.

Accrington Library have an amazing view of Accrington House

Darby · 04-03-2004, 06:34

Atarah,

You're full of interesting information.

Another gem to stuff in my empty mind