Manchester National Trust Volunteers

An Elizabethan gem in the heart of industrial Lancashire

Gawthorpe Hall, is a stunning structure with a rich history and is sometimes referred to as the “Downton of the North”. It was built for the Reverend Lawrence Shuttleworth and his family in 1600-05, and was designed by Robert Smythson, it has Elizabethan panelling and plasterwork of exceptional quality. It was sensitively restored in the 1850s by Sir Charles Barry in partnership with A.W.N. Pugin – Gawthorpe being the only country house in which these two great architects of the Palace of Westminster collaborated. As a result, the collection is rich in Gothic Revival furniture, metalwork and textiles.

The Task is unknown but the last time we were there we were helping in the walled garden slashing and raking up weeds to attract butterflies and other such insects. It's quite a long drive for a day trip but the Rangers there are great and very welcoming.

Meet Sue at Gawthorpe @ 10.00