Mansion is put on ‘at risk’ list
A 150-YEAR-OLD mansion whose dilapidation over recent years has been welldocumented has now been highlighted by a national heritage society as one of the ten most endangered Victorian and Edwardian buildings in England and Wales.
The Victorian Society’s campaign aims to expose the plight of publicly nominated buildings in the hope that increased awareness and appreciation will help to save them.
Drone photos published in the Free Press last summer revealed the state of decay at Horncliffe Mansion on
Bury Road – between Rawtenstall and Edenfield.
After lying derelict for over a decade, the former care home, hotel and wedding venue suffered a ‘devastating’ fire in 2019.
It was originally constructed by mill owner Henry Hardman in 1869.
Griff Rhys Jones, VS President, said: “This year’s Top Ten Finalists all desperately need our attention.
“We have to find new funding, badly needed repair works, and protection from demolition, or new owners.
“Many have highlighted their needs. Many more are needed to help.
“Like so much
conservation, the issue is not the past, but the future.
“Can we keep these
testaments alive for our great, great grandchildren as part of their own story?”