An Account of Life: Gawthorpe Hall in the 1600s

Discover the world of Gawthorpe Hall 400 years ago through entries from the unique Shuttleworth accounts. Explore what Richard and Fleetwood Shuttleworth, their family and staff bought, ate, where they travelled and much more. The exhibition includes important new information from recent transcripts about the Lancashire witch trials. 

You can also see rare objects from the 1600s including the Bourne Casket – a stunning embroidered workbox, and three of the original Accounts books on public display for the first time. Watch a video of the Bourne Casket. 

Open Every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday (12:00pm to 4:00pm) between 02/04/2025 and 02/11/2025.

Included in museum admission. £7 adults, children under 18 free.

Please note the exhibition is in the Nursery on second floor of Gawthorpe Hall, due to the historic nature of the building there is no lift. Please see the Access Statement for details.

The Shuttleworth Accounts The Shuttleworth accounts are a unique set of nine handwritten account books dating from 1582 to 1621. They detail the costs of daily life of the Shuttleworth family first at Smithills Hall near Bolton and then at Gawthorpe Hall. An incredible record of life in Lancashire during that period, they are now looked after by Lancashire Archives in Preston. Find out more about them and the work behind this exhibition in our blog An Account of Life at Gawthorpe Hall – Stories from Lancashire Museums The Bourne Casket The Bourne casket is an embroidered workbox which was made in the 1660s by Eunice Bourne of Pilling, Lancashire. It is rarely on show due to its sensitivity to light damage. The needlework and colours have been remarkably well preserved as it has a specially made wooden box. Don’t miss the opportunity to see the casket and the embroidered acorn that was hidden in a secret drawer. Gawthorpe in the 1600s You can find more detailed information about Gawthorpe Hall's involvement in some of the major events of the 1600s in our Stories from Lancashire Museums blog The Lancashire Witch Trials and Gawthorpe Hall The English Civil War and Gawthorpe Hall Find all the events and exhibitions at Gawthorpe Hall.