Fire investigators are investigating the prospect that this morning’s “devastating” fire at Wythenshawe Hall was started deliberately.
More than 50 firefighters using 10 appliances were required to fight the blaze, which broke out at around 3.30am and badly damaged the 16th century building’s clock tower and roof.
Area manager, Warren Pickstone, said however that the “majority” of the Tudor structure had been saved.
“The fire was well developed when they arrived and firefighters did a fantastic job to stop it spreading through the timbers and voids in the property,” he said.
“We will work closely with Manchester city council and the Friends of Wythenshawe Hall to help them recover from this terrible fire.”
The blaze was brought under control by about 8am, but some crews have remained at the scene throughout the day to damp down the building.
One line of inquiry is believed to be that the fire was started deliberately, with the fire thought to have started at the front door.
Wythenshawe Hall, a Grade II listed building, was built around 1540 by Robert Tatton of Chester and – along with the surrounding 250 acres of park land – given to the city by Lord and Lady Simon in 1926.
The timber-built hall, which was an art gallery and museum until its closure in 2010, is now owned by Manchester City Council.
The Friends of Wythenshawe Hall volunteer group was established in 2012 and the building is now open to visitors again.
Rosa Battle, Manchester city council’s executive member for culture and leisure, praised the firefighters involved and said: “This is an upsetting incident involving a much-loved historic building at the heart of its community.
“We are still taking stock of the damage but will all need to rally together in an effort to restore the hall.”
Watch footage from the GMFRS drone:
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Wythenshawe Hall fire AIR Unit footageHere’s some of the AIR Unit footage from the Wythenshawe Hall fire this morning. Such a beautiful building – really sad to see the damage caused.
Posted by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) on Tuesday, March 15, 2016
