Preserving over 400 years of Lancashire heritage

Client: Lancashire County Council

Conlon Construction delivered a specialist programme of conservation and restoration works at Gawthorpe Hall, one of Lancashire’s most important historic buildings and a nationally significant Grade I listed Elizabethan country house.

Working on behalf of Lancashire County Council, the project focused on protecting and preserving original historic features, ensuring the Hall’s architectural and cultural legacy can be enjoyed by future generations.

The Challenge

Built around 1600, Gawthorpe Hall required highly specialist conservation works to address deterioration to its external fabric and historic features while maintaining the authenticity and integrity of the building.

Every intervention needed to follow conservation best practice, with a strong emphasis on retaining original materials wherever possible and protecting the Hall’s irreplaceable historic character.

Our Solution

Conlon delivered a carefully managed programme of restoration and repair works, including:

• Stone repairs and conservation works to the South and West elevations
• Traditional repointing and masonry restoration
• Repair and refurbishment of historic windows
• Conservation of lead gutter boxes and rainwater goods
• Reuse of original lead materials wherever possible
• Restoration of leaded and stained-glass windows
• Detailed paint analysis to ensure historically accurate redecoration
• Specialist repairs to ornate plaster ceilings
• Extensive protection measures for historic artefacts and interiors throughout the works

The project was guided by a conservation-first approach, ensuring original materials and craftsmanship were preserved wherever practical.

The Outcome

The completed restoration has safeguarded the condition and character of one of Lancashire’s most important heritage assets, helping protect over four centuries of architectural history.

Through the careful conservation of original stonework, leadwork, glazing and decorative features, the project has preserved elements of the building that cannot be replaced, ensuring Gawthorpe Hall continues to tell its story for generations to come.

The scheme demonstrates Conlon’s expertise in delivering highly sensitive heritage projects where craftsmanship, attention to detail and respect for historic significance are critical to successful outcomes.