Avenham Walks

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At the top of the steps are Top Walks, also known as Avenham Walk. This piece of land was bought for the town in 1697 for the princely sum of £15.00. Planted with slow growing lime trees and given a gravel path with seats along its length, this walk became a fashionable promenade for the local gentry and was visited by Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1745. On the west side of the walk stands Avenham Colonnade, which gained its name from the colonnaded facades which once fronted the buildings. On the east side of the walk, separated by iron railings, is Bushell Place, named after Dr. William Bushell, the former owner of the land. At the end of Top Walks stands the Harris Institute (Stop 6). Formerly known as the Institute for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge, the Harris Institute was opened in October 1850, built from the designs of John Welch, a local architect. By 1882 the Institute was short of money and decaying, but was rescued by £40,000 from E. R. Harris's will. Known to many as the Art College, the Institute is now part of the University. On the corner of Ribblesdale Place and Avenham Park a blue plaque identifies the vicarage that was once the home of Rev. Harris, who gave his name to the Harris Museum and Library.

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