Last week I followed in the fatal footsteps of Henry VI as he was captured whilst seeking refuse in Waddington Hall.

Before this the Lancastrian King had been defeated by the Yorkist army at the battle of Hexham in Northumberland on May 15, 1464.

Having escaped he was given refuge by Sir Ralph Pudsay at his home at Bolton Hall at Bolton-by-Bowland.

This stroll leads through what is left of Bolton Hall.

Notice the fine set of stocks on the smaller of the two village greens to the left.

Follow the road towards Gisburn for less than a quarter of a mile to find the church of St Peter and St Paul on the left.

In 1468 Sir Ralph Pudsay restored the Norman church and he is thought to have been influenced by King Henry VI.

Inside the church is a memorial to Sir Ralph himself ,who was a most fertile knight.

He had 25 children by three wives and they are all depicted in this memorial.

Opposite the church is an iron gate and a footpath leading to what is left of Bolton Hall.

Follow the wide track through Bolton Park which is lined by some splendid old trees.

Pass the ruins of Bolton Hall and bear right to see what has been called King Henry’s well.

This was a bath house erected over a spring and the King is said to have enjoyed talking a dip in it.

Follow the track towards the river Ribble and then turn left keeping the river on the right.

After a short distance bear away from the river and approach Fooden Hall Farm. This was once an important, if small, manor house, but is now just a farmhouse.

It is nevertheless an attractive building and a stream runs through the grounds.

This stream has a smell of hydrogen sulphide (rotten eggs).

The water was once drunk by visitors who believed that its chemicals were a cure for infertility. Perhaps Sir Ralph Pudsay drank glasses of the stuff!

At Fooden bear left and in less than half a mile reach the Gisburn to Bolton-by-Bowland Road.

Turn left along along the road to reach the largest of the two village greens on the right.

This is lined with buildings, including the old courthouse which dates back to the 15th century. It has a weather vane on the roof depicting a fox.

As with all of our historic villages, I just love to take my time to soak up the atmosphere.

Pass the church on the right and return to the starting point.

How to get there

Bolton-by-Bowland is best reached from the A59 and turning off to the signed road to the village.

Another route is via Sawley and crossing the bridge over the Ribble and turning right to Bolton-by-Bowland.

There is street parking and my walk starts from the Coach and Horses pub.

Distance: Three miles