People are urged to share any objects they have which relate to the life and workings of a 400-year-old Lancashire house. Bank Hall in Bretherton – one of the most beautiful mansion homes in the country is filled with rich history. 

It has been home to high-profile families, occupied by military personnel during the Second World War, a film location and subject of BBC2’s ‘Restoration’ programme. After laying abandoned for half a century a full restoration began in 2017. 

Bank Hall has now been returned to its former glory and welcoming new residents into plush apartments. Part of this phenomenal restoration will see an exhibition open in the building’s iconic Prospect Tower. The display will tell the story of the home, its occupants and its fight for survival.

Heritage Trust for the North West is putting finishing touches to the display and is now inviting anyone with any objects relating to Bank Hall to get in touch. Objects of great interest could be featured in the exhibition. 

Bank Hall is a Grade 2* listed building completed in 1608 and remodelled in the 1830s to become a mixture of Jacobean and Georgian Gothic in style. However it fell into troubled times and from the early 1970s lay abandoned and derelict. 

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In 1995 The Bank Hall Action Group – now The Friends of Bank Hall – staged a campaign lasting two decades to save the building. This full restoration was overseen by Heritage Trust for the North West with amazing support from Friends of Bank Hall, National Lottery Heritage Fund and property developers Next Big Thing. 

Elizabeth Moss, Chief Executive Heritage Trust for the North West, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to see Bank Hall come back to life. This has been down to the tremendous efforts of The Friends of Bank Hall whose love and labour sees this Lancashire gem bask in sunshine once again.

“Later this year we plan to invite members of the public to enter the Prospect Tower and see an exhibition about this very special place. We are very keen to hear from people who may have objects relating to the life and times of this remarkable home which could be included in the displays.”

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John Howard, Chairman Friends of Bank Hall, said: “We are delighted to see Bank Hall thriving once again following a lengthy campaign driven by the Friends of Bank Hall and supporters. 

“Later this year it will be so nice to invite members of the public inside and to learn more about the house and the people who lived here. As finishing touches are made to the exhibition we’d like to see if there are any fascinating objects out there which could complement the displays.”

People who have objects should email the details in 50 words with a photograph to info@24design.co.uk with ‘Bank Hall Memories’ in subject line. People need to get in touch by Thursday 23 June, 2022.

The Chief Executive of Heritage Trust for the North West Elizabeth Moss is available to interview about the object call-out. This can be arranged via email: richardpfelton@gmail.com or through mobile phone number: 07706166787.

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