Towneley Hall

Towneley Hall is a stone building from the 14th century with rooms showing different periods of English design, filled with oil paintings, sculptures, and architectural details. The interiors combine original features from various eras with carefully chosen collections.

The building started as a structure from 1380, with a substantial stone south wing added roughly 70 years later as the family prospered. These early additions formed the foundation for what became an important family residence.

The rooms display Lancashire oak furniture, Pilkington pottery, and vestments from nearby Whalley Abbey, showing how the family connected with local craftspeople and the region's religious life over time.

The hall is easily reached by public transport and located near Burnley's centre. Visitors should allow time to explore the different rooms, as each space contains varied collections and offers different perspectives on the building's history.

The entrance hall features baroque plasterwork from 1726 made by Francesco Vassalli, bringing Italian baroque elements into the design. This decoration reveals the artistic ambitions of the family and shows what skilled craftspeople they could attract through their travel connections.

Location: Burnley

Operator: Burnley Borough Council

Address: Towneley Holmes, Burnley BB11 3RQ

Opening Hours: Saturday-Thursday 12:00-17:00

Phone: +441282477130

Website: https://towneley.org.uk

GPS coordinates: 53.77396,-2.22261

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:02