Day 13. Whitaker Park, circa 1820.

Built in 1840 by mr George Hardman in 28 acres of land, comprising several farms and cottages.The building to the right is the stables and the coachmans cottage. Originally called Oak House it was purchased by Richard Whitaker in 1896. George Hardman earned his living in the woolen trade and the business was taken over by his three sons on his death in 1852. Richard Whitaker was born in  Rossendale and worked for George Hardman from the age of 6, working his way up the ranks to managerial level.He never forgot his origins and purchased Oak House with the soul intention was to establish a park and playground for the people and children of Rossendale. The park was handed over to Rossendale Borough Council and opened as a public park in 1902. the council could not afford its upkeep and in 2013 under threat of closure the park and museum was taken over by The Friends of Whitaker Park and to date is open 7 days a week run by volunteers with a few paid members of staff. There is a connection with Whitakers and the mill in Yesterdays post. L Whitaker is still in business today in the cotton trade, one of the few surviving busisnesses from many who traded in the valley.