The Northern Lights are considered to be one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
15.10.2022 - 12:45 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
It is one of Manchester's oldest buildings, but it was almost lost forever.
In the early hours of March 15, 2016, an arsonist high on drink and drugs torched the Grade II listed Wythenshawe Hall before leaving it to burn. As flames ripped through the building, helpless volunteers and residents could only watch on in horror.
It took more than 50 firefighters two days to eventually bring the blaze under control. Although they managed to save the building from complete destruction, it sustained an estimated £5.2 million worth of damage to its entrance hall, roof, the first and second floors.
The bell tower at the timber-framed Tudor mansion was even destroyed in the fire.
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Six years on, Wythenshawe Hall is about to reopen to the public today after being restored to its former glory. Thought to be one of the city's oldest buildings, the historic gem has undergone significant repairs including a major project in 2019 which saw its smoke-damaged interiors and ornate ceilings restored.
As part of the £6.7 million renovation, the building’s timeless stained-glass windows have also been replaced with mimicked designs closely representing the original works.
Dating back to 1540, Wythenshawe Hall was built by Robert Tatton of Chester and was the home of the Tatton family for more than 600 years. Its history includes being besieged by Oliver Cromwell's parliamentary forces during the Civil War.
Situated within the 270 acre Wythenshawe Park, the hall was gifted to the city of Manchester in 1926 by a philanthropist 'to be used solely for the public good'. It was used as a museum and art gallery prior to the devastating fire.
A ceremony to mark
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