Pictures of Ormskirk

About Ormskirk

Until just short of the 19th-century the land around Ormskirk was waterlogged moorland and it was not until it was drained that the town began to develop as a market. Farmers and growers, quickly realised how fertile the land was and planted vast crops of vegetables. This added source of revenue brought stability and the town began to prosper.

The town is noted for it's beautiful church dedicated to St.Peter and St.Paul. The church is Perpendicular and the second of it's two towers was added in the year 1540 to house bells from Burscough Priory after its dissolution. Also, from Burscough came the alabaster effigies commemorating the Ist Earl of Derby and his wife, they are from the 15th-century. This is a splendid church that has many fascinating treasures.

In the town itself there are several fine properties from the Georgian period, including the handsome Knowles House. A wander around reveals much to interest the visitor, there is a clock tower in the main shopping precinct, erected by the Earl of Derby in 1876.

The Scarisbrick family who were mainly responsible for draining the moorland lived at Scarisbrick Hall. This handsome house was rebuilt in neo-Gothic style in the 19th-century and has a 100ft tower. It is now a school but is open to the public at certain times of the year.

Other places of note include Rufford Old Hall, a delightful 16th-century timber-frame mansion that shows fine collections of 17th-century Arms, Armour and Tapestries. The Martin Mere Wildfowl Reserve has Geese and Flamingos. The ruins of 12th-century Burscough Priory lie 2 miles north of the town.