Issue 47 JUNE - Flipbook - Page 10
Towneley Hall
Conservation Works
Towneley Hall, a distinguished Grade I listed historic house situated just south of Burnley in Lancashire,
has been the focus of a major conservation and restoration initiative aimed at preserving its architectural
and cultural legacy. The Hall, with origins in the 13th or 14th centuries, was originally constructed
by the Towneley family and has undergone numerous renovations over centuries. Its current U-shaped
configuration comprises a South Wing, North Wing, and a slightly projecting West Wing surrounding
a central courtyard. With four storeys including cellars, the building is a complex mix of medieval
architecture and successive historical layers.
Background and Evolution
Towneley Hall has witnessed a long architectural
evolution, marked by key modifications. In 1726, Richard
Towneley commissioned a redesign by Robert Thornton,
who transformed the central areas, including the creation
of the Great Hall and the grand staircase. Stucco artisans
Francesco Vassalli and Martino Quadri contributed to the
ornamental detailing. In 1766, John Carr introduced a
new pitched roof above the Great Hall to mitigate sagging.
A 19th-century roof walkway and extensive repair works
between 1968 and 1970 were also significant in the Hall's
structural history.
Scope and Purpose of Conservation
The current conservation project focuses on both
structural stabilization and the sensitive restoration of
decorative features across the Hall. The priority areas
include the roofs and floors of the West and South Wings,
the Great Hall’s ornate plaster ceiling, and ceilings in the
South Wing and Regency Rooms. These efforts are
guided by rigorous historical research, paint analysis, and
structural evaluations to ensure authenticity and safety.
Structural Conservation Measures
A major concern is the integrity of the Great Hall’s plaster
ceiling and entablature, which exhibited fragility and
misalignment. To address this, protective measures were
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Above, central ceiling rose restored
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Conservation & Heritage Journal
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