Fears for Grade I-listed birthplace of machine that turned Bolton into a boomtown

It is a town's most important historic building. Within its walls, Samuel Crompton invented a machine that would help chart the course of the Industrial Revolution.

The spinning mule turned Bolton into a boomtown. It was used to spin cotton fibres into yarn, which could then be woven into a variety of textile goods including the highly desired muslin.

Crompton and his family were renting rooms at Hall'i'th'Wood, Bolton, in 1779 when he created a machine which would change history. But at the time he could not afford a patent, and instead revealed the machine's potential to manufacturers on condition they would pay him. All he received was £60.

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In 1812 when there were at least 360 mills using 4,600,000 mule spindles, Parliament granted him £5,000. He used it to enter business, but was unsuccessful first as a bleacher and then as a cotton merchant and spinner. Crompton left the hall in 1782, moving on to a new lodging in Sharples.

Now the house where he came up with the invention has been placed on Historic England's at risk register. It is one of two buildings in Greater Manchester that have been added to the list - the other has links to one of the region's football teams.

Hall'i'th'Wood is a Tudor timber-framed Grade I listed building dating back to the early 1500s. As one of only 48 Grade I-listed buildings in Greater Manchester, it is described as "a rare and valuable example of Tudor architecture."

The site, which has been operating as a museum under the management of Bolton Council since 1900, was forced to close its doors to the public in 2021 due to severe structural issues. These problems include timber decay, damp, rot, and damage caused by vandalism.

Bolton Council and Historic England have now joined forces to restore the building and improve its energy efficiency, reducing operational costs and carbon emissions. Historic England has pledged £47,500 towards Bolton Council's £95,000 plan for essential survey work. But more funds are needed to restore the building fully.

A spokesperson for Bolton Council said earlier this year: “We have been funded by Historic England to carry out surveys to begin to understand the condition of the building. This programme of works is on target, and we are developing a longer-term project for submission to the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

"This is a complex process that will take some time, as such, this is normal for projects of this scale and for buildings of this grading. In the interim, we will be involving the community through an engagement project, which we are currently seeking funding for.”

The oldest part of Hall i’th’ Wood is a half-timbered house with a stone-flagged roof. Half-timber work is a method of building whereby walls are constructed using timber frames, and the spaces between these structural frames are filled in with wattle and daub. It also bears an iconic Tudor façade, which was created through ornamental timber framing comprising scrollwork upon chequerboard-style panelling.

The hall, at the time of its construction, was the manor overseeing the township of Tonge with Haulgh, which existed under the civil parish of Bolton le Moors. The Brownlow family managed the hall and its estate until the early-17th century.

Later additions to the structure took place to the north in 1591, and to the south-west in 1648. These extensions to the property are stone rather than to the half-timbering technique of the original structure.

In 1635, the estate was sold to the Norris family, and then onto the Starkie family in 1654, who let the house out to various tenants - including the weaver, Samuel Crompton.

In 1899 industrialist and philanthropist, Lord Leverhulme, of soap-making fame, bought the hall and funded a major restoration. The interiors of the hall were returned to a Tudor style involving the installation of panelling removed from other 16th and 17th century houses and the insertion of plaster ceilings.

Lord Leverhulme gifted the property to the people of Bolton in 1902 following its repair, at which point Hall i’ th’ Wood was first opened to the public as a museum. It's name stems from its original location. But it longer stands in the heart of woodland.

After the First World War parts of the land owned by Bolton Corporation on the Hall'ith'Wood estate were used for residential development with 400 homes being built.

Meanwhile supporters of an entrance block of a former 1906 concert hall that was bulldozed in 1985, and is now a Methodist Mission, are campaigning for its survival as a vital community asset. The Queens Hall Methodist Mission on Market Street, Wigan is Grade II listed.

On April 1st 1908 the Queen’s Hall opened as the permanent home of the Wigan Wesleyan Mission. The church building had seating for 2,000 people due to the huge enthusiasm for a Methodist place of worship in the very heart of the town.

In 1984 the Mission Anniversary was the last occasion on which the Main Hall was used as a place of worship. In attendance was a congregation of 600. A new bus station was to be built behind the church, incorporating land then occupied by the church. The Mission was to be redeveloped with only the front façade being retained.

The entrance block building, which boasts an Edwardian Baroque style turret with red brick and stone-coloured dressings, has been a familiar sight in the town for over a century. It now requires extensive high-level repairs to address deterioration.

The building's significance to Wigan is underscored by two blue plaques in the entrance area. One commemorates the formation of Wigan Athletic Football Club within its walls, while the other honours Margery Booth, an opera singer and British spy who performed in the concert hall.

Currently, the building plays a crucial role in breaking down barriers to opportunity for local people. It hosts meetings for addiction support groups, provides adult community education, and offers access to a café.

Today Historic England also announced that the Grade II listed Moseley Old Hall, in Cheadle, a 17th century timber-framed house with links to Bonnie Prince Charlie as well as United is now off its at risk register after being restored.

Built in 1666 for the Moseley family, it is described as "a prime example of period architecture, featuring ovolo-moulded windows, an inglenook fireplace with original beams, and a splat-baluster staircase."

Prince Charles, alias, ‘Bonnie Prince Charlie', due to his boyish looks and alleged charm is reputed to have visited in the 1740s during the Jacobite rebellion.

For several years, the property has been facing severe structural issues. Timber supports were decaying putting the hall at risk of gradual collapse. The turning point came with a new, dedicated owner who employed oak frame restoration specialists to stabilise the Hall’s structure, ensuring its long-term preservation.

Historic England awarded £1.53 million in grants for repairs to eight sites in the North West during 2023/2024. Many buildings and sites have been rescued with the help and commitment of local people, communities, charities, owners and funders, including The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

There are also buildings and places which need help. Over the past year, eight historic buildings and sites have been added to the Register in the North West because they are at risk of neglect, decay or inappropriate development.

In total, there are 416 entries on the Heritage at Risk Register in the North West in 2024 – three more than in 2023.

Heritage Minister, Sir Chris Bryant, said:: “The UK has an abundance of heritage sites across the country that attract tourists and provide jobs in local communities. Many of these are in desperate need of support.

“The Heritage at Risk Register plays a vital role in our ongoing mission to protect and preserve our rich heritage across the country. Many beloved sites have been removed from the list this year and I hope that more will be saved thanks to their inclusion this year."

Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive of Historic England, said: “Heritage is so important to the North West. It plays a vital role in our society and boosts the regional economy. This year, we have seen partners and communities come together to help save the historic buildings and places that need it the most. It’s inspirational to see how we can harness the power of our heritage to benefit local people across the North West. Together, we can save our places and find new ways to enjoy the heritage that people value so much.”