Photo-a-Day  (Wednesday, 3rd July, 2019)

I always wonder why they needed two side gates, even got there own little chimneys

Happy childhood memories of Sunday afternoon outings to Haigh Hall on the tractor. I remember. when I was very small, the tractor had a canvas top and my friend's grandad took the fare, which was threepence. Later the tractor had a solid top. I can still feel that first cool rush of air as the tractor descended the slope under the trees on the first part of that thrilling ride, with me sitting between my Mam and Dad. Happy, happy days. xx

Irene , you have such a way with words ,just a few lines and I'm back on the tractor feeling the breeze rushing past.

Thanks for the photograph Mick , by coincidence I've been talking to someone this week who has seen the inside of the lodges ,he was unable to enter as the floors have collapsed.

Irene, i was probably one of the lads hanging on the back of the last carriage cadging a free lift.

The bedroom was on one side of the gate and the living quarters were on the other side.

Both had coal fires.

I think the gate & the 2 lodges either side were probably to do with architecture Mick, they liked a bit of symmetry in those days.

The arched gateway must have seen many comings and goings of 'illustrious personages' such as Royalty and other Lords and Ladies. All friends of the Crawford family. They must have been quite impressed riding through the plantations in their carriages. I wonder what they would have made of the modern day tractor...I think they would have been quite 'sniffy'!

I have the same memories Irene.. They were good days, never to be forgotten...

Irene, ditto.

I, as well did the same thing with my mum and dad on nice sunny Sundays. Also enjoyed the tractor ride. I guess that's what got the adrenaline flowing

The best part was going over the bridges, especially the last one over the canal when you saw the Hall for the first time.

Very nice indeed.

Both Northern Counties & Massey Bros. used these gates for the publicity photographs of their Vehicles for decades. I guess these gates have been seen all over the world via those photographs. In the early 80's wife,young son & I used to come over from the Wirral, park up close by and walk up to Haigh Hall then ride back on the tractor & trailer.