Lowergate has died.

Lowergate, John Dixon of Blackburn and Clitheroe, passed away suddenly last night.
John was a devoted antiquarian of renown. His numerous publications, including the ‘Journey Through Brigantia’ had many admirers, among whom was Her Majesty The Queen. As his contributions to this site evince, those of us who cherish the ancient places, are poorer for his demise.
To call John a ‘character’ would be a flimsy understatement. At least 50% of the laughter I have known in my life can be attributed to his hilarious words and actions.

Fly free John, over your beloved landscape. Ledger & Karen

Yes I have just been informed of the death of John Dixon who was a wonderful friend to me. I'm so sad and also shocked at this news. Don't know what to say. R.I.P John Dixon known as Lowergate.

I know for a fact Sunbright, that your interests in holy wells and similar local sites, led John to feel that he had found a true soul mate in you. He held you in the highest esteem.

That's very kind of you to say that Dave. John had given me the nickname St Sunbeam, but I'm no saint, far from it. But, I know John valued me as a "good friend" and I myself valued John as a good friend. I'm not sure what we'll do without him because his knowledge of ancient sites in this area (Lancashire) was second to none. I will miss him very much, we all will miss him. A great loss indeed. Ray.

Here is a photo that I took of John Dixon (Lowergate) explaining the prehistory of Castercliffe hillfort near Nelson, Lancashire, on the 4th August 2012.

I drank a few bottles of wine in the hills with John,on expeditions, and feel privileged to have known him,
and the tales of his Siberian wilderness trip, when he came for a meal, were enthralling. He’ll be missed.

clickable thumbnails













John amongst friends

Thank you Danny, we will miss him so much.

I only knew this man from all I read of and by Him upon here, I really liked what I experienced .
The loss is ours, especially those who knew Him well.
He has left His Earthly vehicle, which is but temporary.
What a loss, to those still here.
A sad Cropredy.
I will link to a song associated with such times.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avX5VlU7MXM

Thank you Cropredy. I have notified Meg Portal editor in case you were wondering as John was a contributor on there. Will notify them further with regards to the funeral. No date set as yet.

No, nothing with regard to funeral arrangements yet.

Lowergate, (John Dixon) will be laid at rest in his home, 21 Lowergate Clitheroe; surrounded by mementoes of his achievements, from 5.00 PM on Monday the first of October, until the funeral on Wednesday the 3rd of October. Anyone who wishes to call and pay their respects will be welcome. It will be ‘open house’ but if you wish to ring before calling, round the number is 01200 443129.

John’s Funeral cortege will leave his home at 1.00 PM on Wednesday for the church service at Pleasington Priory, near Blackburn, at 2.00 PM. This will be followed by a service at nearby Pleasington Crematorium at approximately 2.40 PM. Immediately following the cremation service, a wake will be held at a venue shortly to be announced.

All are welcome to attend any part of the proceedings. Donations rather than floral tributes, can be made to Bipolar UK, Preston Branch, through Alty’s Funeral Service Blackburn, (01254 503240) from where further details may also be obtained.

Lowergate, John Dixon's wake/funeral reception, will be held at Cherry tree Cricket Club. 459 Preston Old Road Blackburn, between 4 and 7 PM on the 3rd October after the funeral. Many who walked with and knew John are resolved to attend , all will be welcome.

Thank you for all the up-dated info Dave. Will try my best to go.








Nice to meet you Dave. Its a shame that us lot only seem to meet at funerals. Keep in touch.

A version of Mary Elizabeth Frye’s poem ‘Do not stand at my grave and weep’ which represents how JD will remain with me.

You can dance on my grave and cheer,
Dance away, I’ll still be here.
I’ll be the swimmer against the stream
Doing things, of which some only dream.
I’ll be the heckler in the crowd,
My booming voice will ring out loud.
Where things run smooth and complacency lurks,
I’ll be a spanner in the works.
I’ll let no misery hold sway.
I’ll blaze a rainbow, when skies are grey.
And I will be there when you turn off the light
To send you laughing, into the night.

A poem by Firoze Shakir, the momentuous Indian Photohrapher, who is a great friend of ours. John and Firoze took on some pompous nasty forces, in a campaign in which I played a small part. Unsurprisingly their posts were peppered with humour. They were a natural double act, seperated by continents but definitely soul mates.

John Dixon aka Howlin Dervesh passed away recently one of my very dear friends who saved my muticolored ass from racist poets at Poemhunter .. May His Soul RIP

i will soon
be coming
to see you
up there
after death
poets vanity
fair at rumi
square
you sitting
among
cute angels
on a chair
you beat
us all
you dared
moments
memories
squeezed
into a
nutshell
that we shared
you were luck
sweet death
had you
ensnared
looking into
the mirror
a void
i stared
you and i
human
comedy's
greatest pair

I only had the priviledge of spending a couple of days with John. On the last occasion (1st September) he accompanied me and friend Dave on a walk over Nutshaw Hill, Hameldon and Moleside Moor looking at various sites. Dave and I learned so much from John's perceptive observations and insights. He was such an inspiration. He talked about setting up a group which would meet in Accrington and under his coordination start a systematic search of the surrounding countryside for archeological sites. The idea struck us a good one. I imagine it would be impossible to find someone to step into John's boots but if such a group could be established it would be the sort of memorial that John would really appreciate. He is already sadly missed.

Thanks Dave and Chris. Dave you are very good with words. Chris, unfortunately I don't know much about the Accrington area like John did. I know much more about the Pendle area, in particular Burnley Nelson and Colne.

Very saddened to hear of the death of John Dixon. I never met him but he was very helpful with information and his posts on the site were fascinating and funny. His wit and knowledge will be missed.

Thank you Annie for your kind comment. We all miss John very much, and yes he was a real character wasn't he. As you say, his knowledge and wit was something that no one can match.

Only just seen this as i haven't logged in ages, but what tragic news.
R.I.P fella.

Really great photos of John Dixon from the camera of Danny. Nice to look at them again.