Repairing the Great Barn roof at Gawthorpe Hall

What is the Great Barn?

Originally built as a high-status building in 1605, the 100-foot long Great Barn is a rare survivor of a type of building uncommon in Lancashire.  The Grade I listed building has been used for a variety of different things throughout its history, from agricultural storage to an indoor training area for Burnley Football Club, and more recently as an arts and exhibition space.

The barn has been described as “one of the finest aisled barns in the North West”. Its roof structure is largely original, and its ox stalls are “possibly the earliest dated example in Britain”.

The building has been closed to the public since 2008.

What are we doing?

We're investing £1.5m to reroof the Great Barn, coach house and toilet block to secure its long-term future and reopen the space for visitors. The roof and timber rafters will be repaired using heritage craft skills in order to stop rainwater leaking through the structure. 

Why are we doing this?

As a conservation charity we want to look after historic places for future generations and provide new experiences to visitors. The roof has received a number of temporary repairs over the years, but major works are now needed to secure the long-term future of the building.

Watch this video to find out more about the future vision and what this will mean for visitors and businesses - Click here

Looking after historic places

This project allows us to secure the long-term future of a 420-year-old Grade I listed building in the heart of Padiham by working with builders with proven heritage craft skills. Through a range of activities and events, the project will offer a chance for the local building and conservation community to develop their knowledge and experience with heritage skills.

Creating a space for local people

The Great Barn has been closed to visitors since 2008. Repairing the roof will allow us to reopen this multi-purpose space once again. We want to work with the local community and partners to gather as many ideas as possible for how this magnificent space could be used in the future. You can help us gather ideas by filling in a short survey (click below).

Café opportunity

The barn building includes a café space with a kitchen. We're seeking expressions of interest from local operators who may be interested in opening the café from June 2026 to serve visitors to the hall and the estate, as well as the users of the Burnley Football Club training facilities. If you'd like to receive the tender information, please contact dan.taylor@nationaltrust.org.uk

A long-term future for Gawthorpe Hall

The Great Barn roofing project is the first step in our-long term ambitions for Gawthorpe Hall. It can kickstart the development of a new long-term vision for the site. In the coming years, we want to enhance the experience that the visitors and the local community receive across Gawthorpe.

A home for wildlife

A colony of brown long-eared and pipistrel bats breed and hibernate in the Great Barn each year. Repairing the leaky roof means that we can continue to look after their home for years to come.

How can I donate?

The project is now largely funded thanks to a generous legacy, the kind support of the Wolfson Foundation, Historic England, Lancashire Environmental Fund, Burnley Council via their UK Shared Prosperity Fund and many local donors, groups and organisations. Donations to support the upkeep of the Great Barn and other public facilities at Gawthorpe Hall are still welcome, and if you would like to donate, please click the button below.