A HUT which became famous during the First World War was named after one of Warrington's most famous landmarks.

While troops were spending days at time on the front line, the army realised hat the troops would need recreation facilities and the YMCA stepped in to provide a series of Recreation Huts at the base camps in France.

And one would be named after the resident of one of Warrington's most famous estates - Walton.

In February 1915 the Warrington Guardian reported that Lady Greenall would be going out to the Front to: “Take charge of a refreshment buffet to be opened under the auspices of the Auxiliary Committee of the Recreation Huts at the base camps in conjunction with the YMCA. Lady Greenall has this week visited the War Office in connection with her new duties and has also had an interview with Princess Victoria of Schleswig Holstein, who is President of the Auxiliary Committee. Her ladyship will be accompanied by a staff of assistants.”

Lady Greenall proved to be no mere figure head and her buffet became known as The Walton Hut. In Feb 1917 the Warrington Guardian carried an article by Sergeant Box of Egerton Street, Howley serving with the Border Regiment describing the Walton Hut.

“By opening time, 5 pm, the place is packed with soldiers of all regiments, English, Irish, Welsh, Scotch and colonial and from then until closing time of 8.15 pm, five assistants are at work as hard as they can possibly go dealing out from the counter. It is a sight to see the piles of bread and butter and cakes disappearing, but when hot pot or hot bread pudding and sauce are on, then there is a sudden clearing. One has to be out here in this weather to realise how welcome is a hot meal of any sort, or a cup of hot tea or Oxo.

"During the week there are concerts given by various parties, and some excellent talent appears. On other nights there is generally someone who can play the piano and the time goes pleasantly in dancing. I omitted to say that a fine painting of Walton Hall by Mr Dell decorates the drop scene on the stage. With regard to the reception of visitors to hospitals this hut is doing a grand work.

"When a soldier is so seriously wounded that his life is despaired of the War Office writes to the nearest relative, giving them permission to visit the place. (The relative then comes to France under the care of the YMCA and is lodged in a hostel near to the hospital.) The Walton Hut is the nearest hut to a series of military hospitals and the work is to receive visitors from the hostels and give refreshments and a place to rest until they can visit the hospital."