Bank Hall
Bretherton Online
"Working To Save
Bank Hall Bretherton"
Q. How much is the Bank Hall Red Book to buy?
A. The Bank Hall Red Book is £3 and was written by Paul Dillon and Geoff Coxhead. The book was first published by the Bank Hall Action Group in 1997 to raise funds for the 'Tower Appeal'. "The Tower Appeal aims to raise funds to provide a scaffold support for the tower to prevent any further deterioration pending full restoration." Text taken from page two of the 1997 (1st) edition.
The book proved to be popular so it was re-printed in bulk five times and later revised and reprinted in 2004. The funds from the sale of the book now go towards the Bank Hall Restoration Appeal as the sales of the first edition enabled the Action Group to construct the scaffolding around the tower.
1st Edition (1997) 2nd Edition (2004)
Q. What is the history of the Bank Hall Visitor Centre and when was it opened?
A. The Bank Hall Shop/ Visitor Centre Opened in 2001 as a visitor information centre with displays of artifacts, photos and merchandise. The building that houses the visitor centre and refreshments is situated by the Bank Hall Farm and was once part of the working life as the estate managers office, blacksmith, feed and tack room and the coach house.
The Bank Hall Action Group have access to two sections of this building, the coach house where the refreshments are served and at the opposite end of the building which is the visitor centre/shop which was the estate managers office. It is hoped that once Bank Hall is restored that the visitor centre shall move to its new location inside the tower and enterance hall which will have full public access.
Q. Where do I send the pennies to for the Million Pennies Appeal?
A. The pennies you collect can be dropped off at any Event in the Visitor Centre or alternatively if you send us an email @ bankhallbretherton@hotmail.com we can arrange a collection or even a drop off at the Million Pennies Co-ordinator's address.
We are also looking for shops, schools, buisnesses that would be able to collect pennies and support the Million Pennies Appeal.
We thank all the buisnesses for their support with Bank Hall activities and the Million Pennies Appeal.
Q. What are the other buildings around Bank Hall?
A. The building opposite the visitor centre is the 60 meter Barn which is a Grade II Listed Building. The Barn was restored and converted into housing in 2004.
The other buildings surrounding Bank Hall are:
- The Farm House (Privately Occupied)
- The Kindergarten (formerly the Head Garderners house)
- The Game Keepers House
- The New Lodge (at the end of the carriage drive)
- The famous Gate House Lodge (which is situated on the corner of Bank Bridge on the A59, also currently privately occupied).
We do ask that while visiting Bank Hall that you respect our neighbours privacy Thank You.
Q. Where is Bank Hall and how do I get there?
A. Bank Hall is situated on the South East side of the Lancashire village of Bretherton.
Directions from Southport : Follow the A565 towards Preston from Southport at Tarleton traffic lights carry on straight thought the lights down the hill past St Mary's Church and over the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and the River Douglas. (Below Left)
Then you shall see the Bank Hall Gate House Lodge on the opposite corner of the road (NO ENTRY!) Entrance is by the white sign on your right.
Follow the A59 from Preston through Penwortham to Hutton Roundabout (By the Police Headquarters) take the 1st exit towards Southport follow the Duel Carriageway straight through three roundabouts (The third is Carr House/Toll Bridge roundabout) at the 3rd roundabout take the 2nd exit towards Southport carry on straight. The road shall dip down and you shall see the above right photo with the white sign, signal left and take this road straight down through the Farm and you are now at Bank Hall.
Alternatively you could type the Bank Hall post code into your satalite navigation system
PR26 9AT
or you could try searching for directions via the RAC 'Route Planner' website (Click the following link to the search page)
What are the plans for the future with Bank Hall??
The whole of the building is to be restored externally but the majority of the internal of the building is to be converted into private accommodation. The exception is the central area which includes the 1832 entrance hall, the hall behind it and the two rooms on the floors above the entrance hall with the clock tower for access to the upper floors of the public area. These areas will be restored internally and will be open to the public on event days and at other times by arrangement. To facilitate all this work it is also necessary to construct some new properties in the area and this is the enabling development. It is also anticipated that the Potting Sheds area, former greenhouses and walled garden will also be restored and developed. Plans for this area are still to be confirmed. But ideas of a Heritage Garden, Cafe and Visitor Entrance are all possibilities.
If you have any questions that you would like answering then please email them to bankhallbretherton@hotmail.com
