The Great Hall
How old is this room?
The basic layout of the Great Hall dates from the 1580s when Robert Charnock built the original timber-framed house. The house was radically remodelled in the 1660s when the incredible plaster ceiling was installed. It celebrates the marriage of the Hall’s then owner, Margaret Charnock, to Richard Brooke. Both their family coat of arms are included in the decoration over the fireplace.
How old are the long table and chest?
The oak chest or coffer has a date of 1665 carved into it and may have been a wedding present for Margaret Charnock and Richard Brooke.
The long oak table with eight legs is a dining or refectory table and was made in the mid-1600s. It came here from Extwistle Hall near Burnley around 1800.
Panelling
The wood panelling shows people who were famous from the 1300s through to the 1600s when it was made. Some figures are royalty including Queen Elizabeth I and King Philip II of Spain. Others are famous military leaders such as Sir Francis Drake and Muhammed II, or explorers like Columbus and Magellan.
Image provided by Gordon Jenkins
Paintings
Most of the portraits in the house show people who have lived at Astley Hall or been associated with it. They are from the Charnock, Brooke and Townley Parker families. On the wall just before the staircase is a portrait of King Charles I and his family. A portrait of his foe, the Parliamentarian leader Oliver Cromwell, hangs on near the top of the stairs.
[Portrait of Katherine Townley Parker]
Image provided by Gordon Jenkins
Additional images
