Hall i’th’ Wood Hall could get support from Historic England

Hall i’th’ Wood Museum is currently closed to the public after the building, which can trace its history all the way back to the 16th century, became unsafe.

But a recent Bolton Town Hall meeting heard how the council is working with Historic England to get support for a survey on the building’s condition before a major funding bid goes in.

Cllr Mudasir Dean, who represents Bradshaw, said: “I think anyone of my age and above will have visited the museum on a school trip and will have gained a lot of knowledge about how important a role this town has played in the world’s industrial heritage and the industrial revolution.”

The Grade I listed building was once the home of 18th century born inventor Samuel Crompton, creator of the spinning mule, and is a rare surviving example of a Tudor wooden-framed house.

The museum is currently closed to the public (Image: Newsquest)

It remains one of the Bolton’s most valuable historic sites but has now been cut off from the public while in need of repair.

Cllr Dean said: “We have many iconic buildings within our borough, our town hall itself is a great building but there are many other places around the borough that have a great place within the history of our town and our country.

“None more so than the iconic building that is in my ward, Hall i’th’ Wood Museum.”

With that in mind, Cllr Dean asked a full meeting of the council this week what the authority was doing to restore the historic site to its “former glory".

In response, cabinet member for land and property, Cllr Sue Haworth, said that the council hoped to secure funding to be able to survey the building.

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She said: “Unfortunately, like other halls of the same age and significance the hall I currently closed as there are serious issues with the fabric of the building and unfortunately it hasn’t been safe for staff or the public to enter.

“Emergency works have been carried out and staff and contractors can now access the site when they properly organise it.”

She added: “The council is working with Historic England to access specialist support and funding to pay for extensive surveys of the building to understand the full conditions.”

Cllr Haworth said this survey would hopefully inform a bid to the National Lottery Heritage Fund to revive the museum.