Winstanley Hall, Wigan

A few shots taken on a recent mooch around a rather impressive old house. Access was somewhat tricky and was a case of parking up and then crossing through a tennis club, a cricket pitch, a couple of fences, a plantation of trees, a forest and a moat. Yep, a moat! The house was built in the 1560's by the Winstanley family who were the lords of the manor dating back to 1252. The building was in good condition until the late 1960's when it fell vacant. It is now rotting in planning hell as Wigan Council have refused the present owners (Dorbcrest Homes) permission to convert the hall into private flats.

Hiding in the trees, on land surrounded by a moat.

Winstanly Hall stands gently rotting.

I could fill a page just with the architectural features on this house.

Once of several extentions. The house also boasted stables, a large courtyard, and a building for keeping bears in (obviously!).

At least someone had the presence of mind to get a fence around this fountain.

The lead thieves have been in, so the building now leaks badly and is rotting within.

Hand painted walls in the nursery.

Fragglehunter trying not to meet the owl.

Once a very splendid reception room. The huge fireplace deceives you of the size of the place. Compare it with the doors.