Astley Hall welcomes visitors back after £1.1million renovation

Astley Hall in Chorley has undergone a £1.1million regeneration and has today (May 21) re-opened to the public.

People are invited to enjoy a walk around the grounds before a visit to the freshly renovated country home where it is thought Oliver Cromwell may once have stayed.

The hall was opened by Sir Lindsay Hoyle, MP and Speaker of the House of Commons, on Saturday afternoon in a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Speaking at the opening, Sir Lindsay said: “I am proud to be from Chorley. We have always had this magnificent park, a magnificent hall to visit.

“I’ve got to say, if you are going to spend over £1million, this is the way to spend it.

People dressed in period clothing to celebrate the opening on the hall

“Full renovation, stained glass windows, interiors done, tapestries repaired, paintings repaired.

“Don’t miss out, come and see one of the best-kept secrets of Chorley.”

The home is bathed in history, with servants, house members and even the house itself talking about the manor and stories from its years.

Astley Hall was closed by the council two years ago, the house has seen the installation of new carpets, renovated stained glass and most notably, the removal of the render on the outside, restoring it back to the original brick.

Visitors have more freedom to tour and learn about the history of the home, with barriers to rooms reduced to allow guests to walk around and experience what life would have been like for both the owners and servants.

The old washing room in Astley Hall

Chorley Council leader, Alistair Bradley said: “It’s nice to be here in Astley Park after the renovation of Astley Hall.

“It has been a couple of years in the making, but it is amazing to come back to see these massive changes.

“The hall is the jewel in Chorley’s crown. We want people to come down, bring the kids and see what is different.

“Please support us and please use Astley Park and hall.”