The Aviary at Old Warke Dam by munki-boy

Old Warke Aviary

The Aviary was built in 1840 as a shooting and fishing lodge for the 1st Earl of Ellesmere, Francis Egerton.

The woods were planted as his private hunting ground. Because of this the trees in the woods are of the same age.

The story goes that the paths around the dam and through the woods were constructed in the 1860s at the time of the cotton famine. During which time the Earl of Ellesmere devised the scheme to provide work for unemployed weavers. The walks and views have been a popular attraction ever since.

Created: 27  December  2020  Edited: 29  November  2023

Old Warke Aviary

Old Warke Aviary map

Old Warke Aviary UK Map