Renovated Wythenshawe Hall to reopen for first time since arson attack

Wythenshawe Hall is to reopen for the first time since an arson attack caused extensive fire damage to the timber-framed Grade II listed building six years ago.

In the early hours of March 15, 2016, an arsonist intentionally set five separate fires at the 16th century Tudor mansion, causing damage to the entrance hall, the roof, the first and second floors and destroying the bell tower in the process.

More than 50 firefighters spent two days bringing the blaze under control, which was estimated to have caused £5.2 million worth of damage. Jeremy Taylor was later found guilty of the attack and jailed for four-and-a-half years.

READ MORE: Search underway for new Ian Curtis mural site as original building is now "unavailable"

Six years on from the blaze, Wythenshawe Hall has been stunningly brought back to its former glory following a series of extensive refurbishment works. Thought to be one of Manchester’s oldest buildings, the hall has received ceiling renovations and timber panelling conservation, alongside security enhancements.

As part of the £6.7 million renovation project, the building’s timeless stained-glass windows have also been replaced with mimicked designs closely representing the original works. The works follow a major project in 2019 which saw its smoke-damaged interiors and ornate ceilings restored.

The restoration of Wythenshawe Hall won a Civic Trust Architects Accredited in Building Conservation (AABC) Award in 2021. The same year, Buttress Architects also won the RIBA North West Award and RIBA North West Conservation Award for their work on the hall.

Wythenshawe Hall dates back to 1540 and was the home of the Tatton family for more than 600 years. Situated within the 270 acre Wythenshawe Park, the