Winstanley Hall

Winstanley Hall is a three-story country house from the 1560s with a mix of Tudor elements and a Jacobean-style entrance, supplemented by additions from various periods. The complex includes courtyards and outbuildings that document its long use as a landed estate.

The house was built in the 1560s for the Winstanley family and passed to London goldsmith James Bankes in 1596. Under his stewardship and that of his successors, major renovations took place between 1811 and 1819.

The stable court shows traces of different building styles from several centuries, reflecting the varied preferences of successive owners. Visitors can see how Norman, Tudor, and Baroque influences exist alongside each other within a single structure.

The building is in a fragile condition with significant structural problems that make walking through interiors difficult and potentially unsafe. Visitors should check ahead to see if access is possible, as entry may be limited during poor weather or ongoing repairs.

A small stone building on the grounds was once a bear enclosure that provided entertainment for estate guests in earlier times. This unusual structure reveals the wealth and eccentric pleasures of landowners from that era.

Location: Wigan

GPS coordinates: 53.52240,-2.68735

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:46