Story of the Mere at event

PEOPLE can discover the secrets of how Martin Mere was drained, and how the work led to the creation of some of the most fertile agricultural land in the country, at a local history event this month.

The mere was, until it was drained, the largest body of fresh water in England.

Alan Birch, from the Burscough Heritage group, said: “Back in 1692 Thomas Fleetwood Esq of Bank Hall obtained an act of Parliament to enable him to start draining Martin Mere.

“Various schemes and solutions to keeping the water levels under control have been used over the last 300 and odd years.

“Flood gates where used until steam, diesel and latterly electric driven pumps came along.

“These schemes enabled the land around Burscough to become some of the most fertile agricultural land in the country and had a great bearing on how the village has developed.

“The Burscough Heritage group’s March history meeting will explore how the mere was drained with contributions from members who have been researching into the history and from farmers who have or are still using the land today.”

Everyone is welcome to come along to The Blue Mallard on Burscough Wharf on Monday, March 13 for a 7.30pm start.

Entrance is by £2 donation to the Heritage Group.

For more information please ring Colin Birch on 07931 356204.