Recent renovation work to restore an historic hall to its original splendour has revealed brick work unseen for more than 200 years.
Astley Hall in Astley Park, Chorley, is currently undergoing major restorations, to improve the integrity of the Grade 1 listed building and expose many of its original features.
Specialist contractors have been working to remove the render from the exterior of the building, uncovering the Hall’s original 17th century brick work – unseen for more than 200 years.
Deputy Leader of Chorley Council, Councillor Peter Wilson said: “This is a really exciting stage of the renovation work.
"We believe the render was added in around 1800-1820 so had no idea what state the original brick work would be in when we removed it.
“The render to the west wing had been removed and we are absolutely thrilled that the condition of the brick is so much better than we anticipated.
“Although we don’t yet know what we’ll find when the render is removed from other parts of the Hall, the prospect of being able to return the hall back to its original brick state is really exciting.”
Contractors are carefully removing the render from the Grade 1 listed building by hand to cause minimal damage to the surface of the bricks.
If all the brick work is in decent condition once all the render is removed, it is likely it will be steamed and pointed.
Local bricks from the same period have been sourced in case any of the Hall’s original bricks beyond repair.
Render removal is just part of the exciting restoration work at the Hall.
Replacement ground and first floor front windows are currently in production – made from solid oak to the same profile as the original ones and be glazed with conservation glass.
The colour of the frames will be matched to the paint scrapings from one of the oldest windows at the hall. Windows in the long gallery, top floor, will be restored.
The team at Astley Hall have also taken the opportunity of scaffolding platforms being in place to get a closer look at the outstanding plaster work ceilings in the Great Hall.
Work to strengthen the main staircase from the Great Hall is also underway, as well as plans to remap the visitor journey around the Hall.
The Museum Gift Shop and Information Centre, currently closed due to Covid-19 restrictions, opened its doors in December, which is part of the plans to enhance the visitor experience.
Astley Hall is currently closed while restoration work takes place however Astley Park remains open for residents to enjoy in line with government guidance.
ENDS PIC CAPTION (Bricks1,3,5,8) – 17th century brick work revealed at Astley Hall PIC CAPTION (Astley Hall Brick comparison) – How Astley Hall may look with render removed
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