The site for this Panopticon is on a ledge overlooking Wycoller Country Park and has stunning views of the Pendle landscape. Traces of early buildings can be seen in the fields below.
The settlement of Wycoller can be traced back beyond 1000BC. From the 15th century Wycoller was a typical farming/weaving community and in the 18th and early 19th century handloom weaving was a boom industry. Wycoller village reached its highest population of 350 in 1820.
Wycoller has close links with the Brontes and Charlotte is thought to have been a frequent visitor. Wycoller Hall is believed to be the inspiration behind Fearndean Manor as featured in Jane Eyre. The ruins of the hall can still be seen today.
In 1973 the village was declared a conservation area and the surrounding 350 acres of farmland designated a Country Park.
The Park has several unusual architectural features including seven small bridges that cross Wycoller Beck, and an eighteenth century five aisled barn. Lancashire County Council recently commissioned the architects Hakes Associates to convert The Aisled Barn into a visitor centre.
The site has recently been enhanced by local people working with professional artists through the Land project to create a series of striking willow sculptures and a display of new planting.
