2008-02 White Nancy
by RhineBlaze
This c.15 foot high landmark standing on the top of Kerridge Hill overlooking Bollington is visible for miles around.
White Nancy was actually built as a summer house by the Gaskell family, who lived at Ingersley Hall, in about 1815. It is stone built with external rendering and regularly painted white in order to maintain its visibility. It is thought that it may have been built at that time to commemorate the battle of Waterloo. Internally there is a seat all round the wall with a large table in the centre. The table is circular, cut from a single piece of stone.
It is believed to have been constructed by a man named Dod who is supposed to have celebrated his work by enjoying a tot of brandy and then reciting a jingle:
Here's to the mountain of Nancy
That's built upon Ingersley Hill
Here's good health, wealth and fancy
And give Dod another gill!
As to the origin of the name 'White Nancy', there are several theories but none has any firm evidence to support it. It may have been named after one of the Gaskell daughters, Nancy. Then again, maybe after the horse that is said to have hauled the table top up the hill. Take your pick!
www.happy-valley.org.uk/whtnan.htm
