LAST week we dipped into the Darnhall Abbey that preceded the Vale Royal Abbey and went on to the initial history of Darnhall Hall.

It was built in the 17th century on the site of the original abbey, and the last owner was William Henry Verdin, who purchased it in 1889. The previous owner was Thomas Knowles, former MP for Wigan and Mayor of Wigan, who died in Darnhall Hall in 1863, aged 59.

After being abandoned for some time, the hall was finally demolished in 1952.

But a look at happier days, William Henry Verdin was one of a family of salt magnates with mines across Mid Cheshire.

He originally lived at Highfield House at Wharton, which he donated to the town as the Albert Infirmary. At the same time, he purchased Darnhall Hall as his residence. During the family’s first year at the hall, they invited the Winsford Fire Brigade to a summer garden party on the beautiful grounds.

The following year they decided to go further. William Henry Verdin was on the newly formed Salt Union board, which ended the Verdin family business. With his wife, Emily, they invited all of the Salt Union workers to a garden party at Darnhall Hall in July 1890.

It was just far enough away from the smoke of Winsford, and the Salt Union rivercraft were to take the attendees from Northwich to Winsford for what was to be a superb outing.

The boats were decorated in bunting by Mr E Newall, the superintendent of the Salt Union craft. The vessels included the steamer Irene under Captain John Cross. The steamer Admiral under Captain Ralph Moss and the barge Berlin under Captain William Hough. On arrival at Winsford, the transport was arranged, but some decided to walk to the hall through the streets and fields. They passed on the way the sad remains of Over Mill, which had burnt down with a loss of 17 workers in October 1874.

The mill had been owned by poor James Haigh, who was not financially lucky. The week before the fire, he was negotiating the sale of the mill, which was temporarily uninsured, driving him into bankruptcy. Mr Haigh once lived at Darnhall Hall before moving to Over Hall.

But back to the garden party, no less than five bands were invited to play and did so without asking for payment out of respect for Mr Verdin. They were The Winsford Rifle Volunteer Band under Sergeant Hulse. The Winsford Band under Bandmaster G Robinson. The Verdin Institute Band, Moulton, under bandmaster Mr W Walker. The Station Road Temperance Band under Mr W Stanway.

The Blue Riband Temperance Band, Northwich, is made up mainly of Moulton men.

Around 3.000 people attended, and in the words of the Guardian reporter at the time. The weather turned out charming for the occasion; there were married men with their wives and children and the young man with his blushing sweetheart all enjoying themselves in their own, style.

A football match was held between a team of Winsford and Over men against a team from Northwich, resulting in one nil to Winsford. Mr Thomas Breeze was the referee.

On the day, there was a good supply of beef sandwiches and best Burton ale, together with ample jugs of milk from the Darnhall herd for the temperance followers. The greenhouses and beautiful gardens were enjoyed, and many a courting couple strolled along Ash Brook. The three vessels arrived back at Northwich at about 9 pm without the slightest accident. The day had gone well, and the Verdin’s were happy in their new home. William, six years later, was elevated to a baronetage and the following year became Sir William. He was a justice of the peace, Deputy Lieutenant, and County Alderman of Cheshire. In 1897 he was appointed High Sheriff of Cheshire.

The entrance to Hall Lane leading to the hall is known as Darnhall Knobs and said knobs can be seen in the photo, as can the lodge leading to the hall. Although, as mentioned above, it has now been demolished.