Huge blaze destroys mansion
AN investigation is underway into the cause of a devastating fire which ravaged a Victorian mansion.
Dramatic drone camera images show Horncliffe Mansion in Rawtenstall engulfed in flames in the early hours of Wednesday morning after the blaze started at 1.45am.
The condition of the Grade II-listed former hotel and wedding venue, once one of the finest buildings for miles around, has deteriorated as it has lain derelict for a decade. The owners of the property were said to be ‘devastated’ by the fire.
Six fire engines raced to the scene on Bury Road.
A Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) spokesperson said: “There were concerns that there could potentially be people in the property - but we don’t believe that’s true. Because it is a derelict building there were concerns that people could be stopping there or using it as a refuge, but we don’t think that’s the case.”
LFRS said an investigation into the cause of the fire has not yet begun and at this stage they are unable to say if it was started deliberately.
Neighbour John Brogan, 62, of Bury Road, said the fire was ‘terrible’.
He said: “It’s such a shame because the building is magnificent.
“It’s been vacant for years and most people around here have hoped it
would be developed and restored.
“It’s terrible to see the damage done.”
Rossendale MP Jake Berry said he was “saddened” by the damage to the ‘historic local landmark’.
He added: “Obviously there will need to be a full investigation and an assessment of its condition but I very much hope that there is a way to retain the building. It would be very disappointing to see it lost forever.”
Firefighter Nick England, who led the fire operation, said the blaze was ‘well established’ when they arrived.
At the scene he told the Free Press: “Due to the structure and the building being unoccupied the crews were unable to enter so we had to deal with it from outside. Because a lot of the roofing section’s now gone, and a lot of the internal walls, it’s now very unsafe.”
He added: “There’s very substantial damage done but it’s difficult to be sure what was done from the fire or already done because the building was boarded up.
“It’s sad to see this happen to such a beautiful building.”
Rossendale Police advised on Wednesday morning that Bury Road in Rawtenstall was closed between the Whitchaff pub and the junction of Crow Wood Road due to the fire. Rosso bus also tweeted that the 273, 481 and 483 were being rerouted.
Coun Adrian Lythgoe, Rossendale council’s cabinet member for operations and development control, said: “It is really unfortunate that Horncliffe has suffered further damage like this.
“Council officers have attended the site with the fire service, police and representatives of the electricity and gas suppliers and we will continue to work with the relevant authorities, including the fire service, to assess the damage and assist with any further investigations.”
Last month council bosses had advised that further works remained outstanding after blue graffiti - daubed on the mansion by vandals last year - was finally removed.
The council said they issued two notices to the owners at the end of last year, a section 215 Notice, Untidy Land and a Section 78, Urgent Works notice.
Estate agents Fine and Country issued a statement following the fire.
They said: “The owners of Horncliffe Mansion are devastated by what has happened.
“At this moment they are still waiting for reports regarding the cause of the fire and how to proceed.
“Once they know more, they will be able to issue further comment.”
Kathy Fishwick, chair of Rossendale Civic Trust, said what happens next depends on how much has survived and how much can be realistically saved and in what form.
She added: “No matter what the damage, the building will still be classed as Listed and will need to be shown due respect even as a ruin, with a proper process of assessment needed for any proposals either for re-building or possible loss of Listed status.”
Free Press readers have also expressed their sorrow.
Yvonne Archer said: “How sad, my great aunt worked there when it was a care home, also lived in the cottage with my uncle who was the gardener.”
Veronica Slater said: “So very sad and such a shame it had been allowed to get so neglected and derelict. It had the most wonderful decorative features inside, lovely marble fireplaces. Wonderful ceiling mouldings and decor.”
Tina Louise Coward: “So sad that something so beautiful has been left to decay and ruin and now it looks like it’s gone forever.”
Horncliffe Mansion, constructed by mill owner Henry Hardman in 1869, was previously used as a hotel, wedding venue and care home, but has been empty since 2009. Last year’s attack by graffiti vandals was the latest in a series of incidents at the building. It was reported that squatters were planning to use it for an ‘illegal rave’ in 2017, and firefighters were called to an earlier fire in 2016.