400-Year-Old Manor House Re-Opens After Restoration

A historic hall in Lancashire, which is renowned for its beautiful Jacobean plasterwork ceilings, has undergone a two-year restoration programme. The Lancashire Post reports that Astley Hall in Chorley has now reopened to visitors, after a £1.1m renovation scheme. A special weekend of celebrations was held in late May to mark the occasion.

The Grade I listed house was built over 400 years ago, and is celebrated for its stunning mid 17th century plaster ceilings, which are considered to be some of the finest in the country.

The exterior has undergone a transformation, with the removal of grey rendering to reveal the brickwork underneath. The exposed brickwork was then steam cleaned, and some of the oak window frames have been replaced with respoke replicas. The doors and the main staircase have been enhanced to cope with the visitor traffic.

Gary Hall, chief executive of Chorley Council told Lancs Live: “We are so excited to be able to reopen the doors of Astley Hall and for everyone to see the work that has been going on there over the last two years, which has included an enormous amount of restoration work to preserve the Hall and changes to enhance the visitor experience.”

“It will be a real weekend of celebration - not only showcasing the Hall both inside and out, but there’ll be entertainment and activities for everyone to enjoy.”

Mr Hall added: “The work to the hall over the last couple of years has been fascinating and a journey through history in itself. It was vital that we carried out the work to preserve this outstanding building which is part of Chorley’s history for future generations and to provide a visitor attraction for people in the region to enjoy.”

The four wings of the house still have most of the original features intact, including rare decorative panelling, and fine oak wood furniture.

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