Historic Bolton hall which shut to the public is TODAY deemed 'at risk'

One of Bolton's historic halls has today been deemed 'at risk'. Hall i'th' Wood Museum has been added to the Heritage at Risk Register 2024 published today by Historic England. The Grade 1 listed site, which has been operating as a museum under the management of Bolton Council since 1900, was forced to close its doors to the public in 2021 due to severe structural issues.

These problems include timber decay, damp, rot, and damage caused by vandalism. The register gives an annual snapshot of the health of England’s valued historic buildings and places. This is the first time the hall has been placed on the list.

(Image: The Historic England Archive, Historic England) However, moves are in place to restore it and bring it back into use. Leader of Bolton Council, Cllr Nick Peel, said: “Hall i' th' Wood is a treasured part of Bolton’s heritage, with deep historic significance to our community. “This designation to the Heritage at Risk Register brings opportunity, highlighting the importance of preserving this landmark, and encourages us to take focused steps toward its restoration and protection.

“We’re committed to working with Historic England and local partners to ensure that Hall i' th' Wood remains a proud symbol of our town’s history for future generations.” This Tudor timber-framed hall dates back to the early 1500s, and is renowned as the location where Samuel Compton invented the spinning mule, a crucial development in the Industrial Revolution. Historic .