GREATER Manchester Police believe a fire that tore through the historic Wythenshawe Hall in the early hours of Tuesday 15 March was 'arson'.
I have already brought the issue to the attention of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport - MP Mike Kane
Though police have been quick to warn against conjecture, issuing this statement on Wednesday 16 March:
"Although we have reason to believe the fire was arson, I would urge caution over speculation on social media as this can often be counterproductive," said Inspector Luke Breakspear of GMP's South Manchester division.
Police say specially trained search dogs have been working to identify where and how the fire began.
Up to 50 firefighters and ten fire engines battled to save as much of the timber-framed Tudor building as possible, though the fire claimed much of the roof, clock tower and upper floors.
Councillor Rosa Battle, Manchester City Council Executive Member for Culture and Leisure, said: "This is an upsetting incident involving a much-loved historic building at the heart of its community. We are currently still taking stock of the damage but will all need to rally together in an effort to restore the Hall."
Labout MP for Wythenshawe and Sale East, Mike Kane, has launched a campaign to rally support for the historic hall and the Friends of Wythenshawe Hall volunteer group who manage it. He told the BBC:
"We are already setting up meetings with the council, the Friends Group and Councillors in the area to form a plan as to how we can secure the necessary funding to restore the hall to its former glory."
"I have already brought the issue to the attention of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. I know that the community in Wythenshawe will be right behind the campaign to save the hall."
Built in 1540, Wythenshaw Hall is set amongst 250 acres of Wythenshawe Park and has been home to the Tatton family for nearly 400 years.
In the winter of 1643-44 the hall was besieged by Cromwell's army during the English Civil War. Royalist Robert Tatton put up a strong defence, however, he surrendered on 27 February 1644 after two cannons were brought from Manchester.
The hall was bought in 1926 by Lord and Lady Simon of Wythenshawe and given to the city 'to be kept forever as an open space for the people of Manchester'.
The fire in pictures...
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