Bewsey Old Hall was originally built by William Fitz Almeric le Boteler. The Hall and estate was home to the Lords of Warrington from the 13^th century for many generations. Prior to the Hall, a monastic grange existed on the site.
 
The current three storey building is largely Jacobean, with its distinctive chimneys and stone mullion windows. This is probably the work of Sir Thomas Ireland and dates from around 1600. Sir Thomas was knighted at Bewsey by King James 1^st in 1617. 

Later additions to the Hall include a farmhouse and kitchen, dating from the 18^th century and 19^th century with earlier foundations. The original 14^th century moat only partly holds water today.
  
During archaeological excavations in the 1980's many artefacts were found including a medieval leather shoe, pottery, coins and a seal die from the 14th Century carrying the impression of a rabbit.  A link with the past can be discovered in the yew maze where a statue of Lady Isabella, wife of the 12th Baron, can be found.  A mosaic effigy of her son, Sir John, lies nearby. 

The Sankey Canal - A pioneering waterway

Running through the park is the historic Sankey Canal. Opened in 1757 it was the country's first true canal and was responsible for shaping the valley, it's environment and development from the late 18th Century to the early 20th Century. Originally built to carry coal from the mines around the St. Helens area to the markets of Liverpool and Cheshire, it pioneered the canal age.

With the advent of the railways began the long decline of the canals but it was not until 1963 that the Sankey canal was officially closed. Today the local authorities of Warrington, St. Helens and Halton along with the Sankey Canal Restoration Society (SCARS), are developing the Sankey Canal Trail as a 15 mile greenway, whilst working towards the restoration of a navigation route.

If you are interested in the canal, or joining SCARS, further information is available at the Ranger's Office at Bewsey Old School. Click on the SCARS logo to link to the  SCARS website .

Hulme Lock Canal Heritage Project

Situated immediately south of the M62, Hulme Lock, along with the rest of the canal in this area, was completely infilled in 1974. In recent years SCARS, in partnership with the Ranger Service, have partially excavated the lock chamber; refurbished the dry dock and uncovered the foundations of the lock keepers cottage. The whole Hulme Lock site is being developed as a heritage feature.  If you would like to help with the project please contact the Ranger Service.

Burtonwood Air Base

Burtonwood Air Base opened in 1940, just in time to supply Spitfires for the Battle of Britain, and was probably the largest military base in Europe during the war.  With 18 miles of surface roadway and a peak of 18,063 personnel this huge site had a massive impact on Warrington as a whole. 

The Gate 4 entrance to the Base was situated near Bewsey Old Hall, adjacent to the black and white cottage.  The concrete base of the guard house, a small section of airbase fencing and a remnant of the camp road, complete with 'cats eyes' can still be seen at this point. Close to the maze are the remains of a blast shelter.