HISTORY

Ribblesdale Park is named after the famous aristocrat Lord Ribblesdale whose family lived on the estate for many generations.

Such a legend was Lord Ribblesdale that King Edward nicknamed him ‘the ancestor’ and his portrait was painted by the famous John Singer Sargent - the work now hangs proudly in the grand entrance of the Tate Gallery, London.

As the Ribblesdale title died out the estate was acquired by the Hindley family and has remained in the family ever since.

The estate has a rich and noble past. Oliver Cromwell is said to have stayed at the old house on his way from battle in 1648 and, more recently, Prince Charles has enjoyed the Ribblesdale hospitality.

The village of Gisburn, little more than 5 minutes walk from the park, received its Charter for Gisburn Fair in 1260. This is one of the earliest mentions of the village. It was granted by Henry III to the Abbot and Monks of Sawley Abbey. At the centre of the village is the ancient church which is dedicated to St Mary the Virgin. One could assume that the foundations for the present church could have been laid circa 1135.