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Talk: Sir Charles Barry and Gawthorpe Hall

In the 1850s Gawthorpe Hall was renovated by architect Sir Charles Barry, famous for his work on the Houses of Parliament. Join historian Rachel Pilling as she looks at what changed, what didn't change, and how the Hall you see today reflects this.

  • Booking essential

In the 1850s Gawthorpe Hall was renovated by architect Sir Charles Barry, famous for his work on the Houses of Parliament in London. Over 400 drawings and many letters remain detailing the changes he made to the Hall.

Public historian Rachel Pilling will discuss the drawings, letters and papers that survive, and what they tell us about the work that took place, including the problems that occurred and their often-hidden solutions. She will also look at how Sir James and Lady Janet Kay-Shuttleworth were involved with the work and their influence on the changes made. You can also discover the work of other Victorian crafts people involved in the renovations such as Augustus Pugin and Crace.

Ticket includes entry to the Hall, so you can see for yourself Sir Charles Barry's changes to the Hall and the wonderful Victorian rooms.

This event is in Servant's Hall in the basement, down 1 flight of stairs inside or flat access from outside.

Times

Prices

Event prices

Ticket typeTicket category
Event ticket price£8.00

The basics

Booking number

Call 01282771004

Accessibility

This event is in Servant's Hall in the basement, down 1 flight of stairs inside or flat access from outside.

Suitability for children

Suitable for young adults and adults.

Contact info

Lancashire County Council

Upcoming events

Gawthorpe Textiles Collection exhibition 

A fantastic display of beautiful historic textiles from the collection of Rachel Kay-Shuttleworth, across five rooms of the Hall.

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on
31 Jul to 1 Nov 2026
at 12:00 to 16:00+ 67 other dates or times

Explore the Great Barn 

Join one of our knowledgeable volunteers and explore the magnificent Grade I listed Great Barn here at Gawthorpe.

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on
5 Aug 2026 to 28 Apr 2027
at 12:30 to 14:30+ 38 other dates or times

Family fun afternoon - Garden Games and Giant Bubbles 

Come on down for an afternoon of family fun activities in the garden of Gawthorpe Hall.

Event summary

on
5 Aug 2026
at 13:00 to 16:00

Discover Spinning and Weaving 

Meet our expert heritage crafters Cate and Janet to discover how to spin wool and weave thread, you can even get hands on and have a go at it yourself.

Event summary

on
6 Aug 2026
at 12:00 to 16:00