Bolton residents can play a vital role in restoring the historic home of one of the town’s most famous residents.

Bolton Council is currently preparing a Heritage Lottery Fund bid to help cover essential maintenance at Hall i’th’ Wood Museum and needs the support of the local community to build a strong case.

The Grade 1 listed building was once the former home of inventor Samuel Crompton and is a rare surviving example of a Tudor wooden-framed house.

 

The Bolton News:

Originally built in the 16th century, Samuel was living in the building when he first developed his Spinning Mule which revolutionised the cotton industry.

Unfortunately, the museum is currently closed to the public while Bolton Council consults with Historic England and other conservation experts over essential repairs.

Bolton Council’s executive cabinet member for culture, Cllr Nadeem Ayub, said: “The museum is one of our top cultural assets, and the story of Samuel Crompton is synonymous with Bolton’s history of innovation and industry. 

“Unfortunately, buildings of such great age often need specialist and complex maintenance work to preserve them for future generations.

“While the council has an excellent track record of securing funding for projects like this, these bids are always more compelling when the local community gets behind them.

“I am sure many individuals, businesses and groups will want to get involved to support this vital project and we look forward to hearing from them.”

The Bolton News: The building’s listed status and unique historical significance mean the required restoration work will be highly complex.

The venue is one of Bolton’s most popular tourist destinations, where visitors can learn all about life in the town during the Stuart and Tudor times.

It features displays of 17th and early 18th century furniture alongside many other objects and artefacts.

Ward councillor Cllr Leslie Webb said: “We are hopeful that we can get it back to its former glory.

“Keeping the history alive is important.

“From all sides it’s important to understand why we are where we are, and what brought us to this point, because we wouldn’t be the Bolton community we are today.”

Council staff maintain regular access to the site while regular security patrols and CCTV ensure the building is kept safe while the bid is prepared.

Residents have also raised concerns over the closure given the wide variety of activities held there when it is open.

No set date has been given, whilst the lottery bid is put together, and essential maintenance continues.

Anyone who is interested in contributing to Bolton Council’s bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund is asked to email museum@bolton.gov.uk.

If you have a story and something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at jasmine.jackson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @JournoJasmine.