Greenhalgh Castle Garstang and the Earls of Derby.

 by Ernest Collinson

Board book: 50 pages
Published 1993.
ISBN-10: 0952280302
ISBN-13: 978-0952280309

For over 150 years, it was an impregnable stronghold of seven Earls of Derby. It guarded their vast estates and interests in Lancashire. It enabled them to establish law and order in the north west as representatives of seven English monarchs from
1490 to 1645.

Greenhalgh Castle was built to defend the vast estates of Thomas Stanley, the first Earl of Derby. How did he acquire his power and wealth? Was he a traitor to the ruling monarch King Richard III, or was he a national hero who saved England from a ruthless murdering tyrant?

Why was it reduced from an impregnable stronghold, to this crumbling ruin? Why was Earl James beheaded in 1651? Was it for his patriotism in supporting King Charles II or was it for murder?

This is a true story of the quest for power involving romance, arranged marriages, intrigue, persecution, violence, treason and murder.