Wythenshawe Hall is to reopen for the first time since an arson attack caused extensive fire damage to the timber-framed Grade II listed building six years ago.
In the early hours of March 15, 2016, an arsonist intentionally set five separate fires at the 16th century Tudor mansion, causing damage to the entrance hall, the roof, the first and second floors and destroying the bell tower in the process.
More than 50 firefighters spent two days bringing the blaze under control, which was estimated to have caused £5.2 million worth of damage. Jeremy Taylor was later found guilty of the attack and jailed for four-and-a-half years.
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Six years on from the blaze, Wythenshawe Hall has been stunningly brought back to its former glory following a series of extensive refurbishment works. Thought to be one of Manchester’s oldest buildings, the hall has received ceiling renovations and timber panelling conservation, alongside security enhancements.
As part of the £6.7 million renovation project, the building’s timeless stained-glass windows have also been replaced with mimicked designs closely representing the original works. The works follow a major project in 2019 which saw its smoke-damaged interiors and ornate ceilings restored.
The restoration of Wythenshawe Hall won a Civic Trust Architects Accredited in Building Conservation (AABC) Award in 2021. The same year, Buttress Architects also won the RIBA North West Award and RIBA North West Conservation Award for their work on the hall.
Wythenshawe Hall dates back to 1540 and was the home of the Tatton family for more than 600 years. Situated within the 270 acre Wythenshawe Park, the hall was gifted to the city of Manchester in 1926 by a philanthropist 'to be used solely for the public good'.
The hall will reopen to the public on September 10, to mark the ten year anniversary of the Friends of Wythenshawe Park group. On September 10 and 11, the local group will also be hosting guided tours of the building.
Manchester City Council said the building’s repair work coincides with its wider ambition to improve the facilities within Wythenshawe Park. In recent months there has been investment into a Cycle Hub in the park and other sporting facilities.
Councillor Lee Ann Igbon, Executive Member for Vibrant Neighbourhoods, said: “It brings me great pleasure to see that the Hall has reopened and restored to its former glory after the devastating incident in 2016. As custodians of the building the Council have been working over the past few years to protect the Hall and we have also carried out major improvement works to ensure the building is better suited for the future.
“Despite the gruelling and long repair process, we have been able to preserve many of the building’s original features and characteristics- which is a wonderful achievement. I also want to thank our Construction partners Conlon for all of their hard work in repairing the damage.
“Wythenshawe Hall is a beautiful building that harbours lots of local history and cultural value and I am pleased we have repaired the damage that was done.”
For more information about the hall and to book onto a guided tour, click here.
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