Ormskirk historian publishes new book



Prolific local historian Dr Mona Duggan has produced a new book about Ormskirk.

Ormskirk: A History is full of interesting tales about the town and its people from the early hunter-gatherers to the closure of the Burscough Curves and beyond.

Though archaeological remains have been found proving that early man lived in the area, the first documentary evidence of the town is the foundation of Burscough Priory in 1189.

The book charts the ups and downs of Ormskirk from the prosperity of the Tudor Period to the famine and plague during the English Civil War.

Former primary school teacher Mona became interested in local history when she moved to Ormskirk from Blackpool after marrying her husband.

She went to the Open University when her children themselves went away to study. She later did a PhD at Lancaster University on the subject of Ormskirk 1600-1800.

When asked what interests her about the town she says it is the sheer depth of its history.

"It's the age of the town from my point of view because Blackpool is a new town whereas places like Leytham House have so many stories," she said.

She now has quite a following in Ormskirk.

Mona said: "I had a book signing at Waterstones and there was a little queue which was nice."

Mona also said that people always ask her questions about their family history.

The individual stories of people are what interest her most.

"There was one man who went to help with the harvest down south and was press ganged and lost an eye. He appealed to Ormskirk Court of Sessions for help and got some money or whatever. It made it very real that people would go that far for work."

The book is available at Waterstones in Ormskirk or you can contact Mona on 01704-841029.





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