THE latest phase of works to preserve the fire-ravaged Wythenshawe Hall are underway in Wythenshawe Park, after arsonists targeted the medieval structure in the early hours of Tuesday 15 March.
...the core steel frame of the hall's bell tower meant the tower did not collapse during the blaze
Following recommendations from historical building specialists, including Historic England, emergency tarpaulin will be replaced by a new temporary roof this week, which experts hope will allow the ‘building to breathe’ and the ‘timber frame to dry out properly and naturally’.
Since the fire, ‘delicate’ conservation works have been carried out within the property, whilst a team of archaeologists have been sifting through the debris in the hope of preserving as many artefacts and original features as possible.
First floor, Wythenshawe HallAccording to engineers who have been working to stabilise the structure, the core steel frame of the bell tower – erected in the 1950s as part of repair works – meant the tower did not collapse during the blaze, preventing potentially catastrophic damage.
A potted history: Built in 1540, Wythenshaw Hall is set amongst 250 acres of Wythenshawe Park and has been home to the Tatton family for over 600 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'.
Cllr Sue Murphy, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “A huge amount of work has already gone into helping protect Wythenshawe Hall, most visibly the scaffold cocoon that is helping to stabilise the damaged areas of the property and will support the new temporary roofing.
“It will be a long road to recovery for the building, but working with our partners and the friends’ group, we will see Wythenshawe Hall back to its best.”
The bell tower was craned off in a single piece to allow a seamless covering of the hall’s damaged roof (credit: Friends of Wythenshawe Hall)Paul Selby, Deputy Chair of the Friends of Wythenshawe Hall, said: “It’s been a rollercoaster few weeks for the friends’ group, but thankfully we are safe in the knowledge that the Hall has been saved, it is now stable and a dedicated team are on-site salvaging anything and everything that makes the property distinct.”
Jeremy Taylor, 26, of Wythenshawe, is due to appear at Manchester Crown Court on Friday 1 July, charged with arson.
More photos of the damage:
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