Memory Lane
De Tabley Arms, Ribchester
This picture shows the De Tabley Arms, near Ribchester. The pub, which recently closed, was built in the 19th century by the de Tabley family. In the early 20th century it was a popular destination for mill workers from Blackburn, who would take the tram to Wilpshire and walk the rest of the way, to drink at the De Tabley and picnic by the river. It was known as "Little Blackpool".
At the end of the 2nd World War my Dad had Malta Fever and Malaria. He was brought home in a hospital ship and was taken to Calderstones Hospital to recover. As part of his recuperation he had to walk a lot to build up his muscles. On weekend leave from Calderstones he would walk from Wilpshire to the De Tabley while my mother got the bus!
Judy Freeman, Ribchester Local History Society
This article was first published in the Memory Lane column of the Longridge News and is reproduced here with permission.