The Secrets of Heaton Hall and Park
Johnny James, Managing Editor
James Wyatt was one of the great architects of his day and Heaton Hall is one of his masterworks, built in phases between 1778 and 1789. This guided tour includes a rare visit inside the house, granting you access to interiors that bring a mix of elegance, opulence and drama.
Your knowledgeable guide will not only give you insights into glorious spaces such as the circular Cupola Room; they’ll also reveal the stories that they contain. The whole building, in fact, is something of a love story set in stone – the passion between a young married couple immortalised through architecture.
And then there’s the surrounding Heaton Park, whose history is as rich and extensive as the Hall’s. Hear tales of the owners, the Earls of Wilton, of Fanny Kemble and the Duke of Wellington visiting in 1830, of ‘the world’s first DJ’, William Grimshaw, of Pope John Paul II’s visit and about huge gigs from the likes of the Stone Roses.
But it’s not all about the aristocracy and famous faces; there are some fascinating tales to be heard about everyday visitors, too. After all, Heaton Park is truly the ‘people’s park’ and has been since 1902 when it was bought by Manchester Corporation, now City Council.
Whether you’ve never visited Heaton Hall or you think you know it very well, be prepared to be surprised and delighted by what this tour reveals.
