Editing Astley Hall, Chorley (section)

==History==
The site was acquired in the 15th century by the Charnock family from the [[Knights Hospitaller|Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem]]. The Charnocks built the original timber-framed house, around a small courtyard, about 1575–1600. In 1665, Margaret Charnock married Richard Brooke of Mere in Cheshire (son of [[Peter Brooke (17th-century MP)|Sir Peter Brooke]]), and they built the present grand but asymmetrical front range of brick with a pair of vast [[mullion]]-and-[[Transom (architecture)|transom]]ed bay windows. This front has a doorway with distinctly rustic [[Ionic order|Ionic]] columns, remarkable at such a late date.

The interior is notable for the staggering mid-17th century [[plasterwork]] in the ceilings of the Great Hall and drawing room, which have heavy wreaths and disporting cherubs.<ref name="chorley">{{cite web|url=http://chorley.gov.uk/Pages/AtoZ/Astley-Hall.aspx |title=Astley Hall|publisher=[[Chorley|Borough of Chorley]] |accessdate=28 February 2015 }}</ref> The ceilings are barbaric in their excesses, and the figures are relatively poorly modelled, although the undercutting is breathtaking. Not all the moulding is of stucco: there are elements of lead and leather too. The staircase is of the same period with a coarse but vigorously carved acanthus scroll balustrade and square newels with vases of flowers on top.

The lower parts of the hall are panelled with inset paintings of a curious selection of modern worthies, including Protestants such as [[Elizabeth I]] and [[William the Silent]]; Catholics such as [[Philip II of Spain|Philip II]] and [[Ambrogio Spinola]]; the explorers [[Christopher Columbus]] and [[Ferdinand Magellan]], and Muslim rulers such as [[Bayezid I|Bajazet]] and [[Mehmed II|Mohammed II]], Sultans of Turkey; it is thought this scheme might be rather earlier than the other work and date from the time of MP [[Thomas Charnock (MP)|Thomas Charnock]], who died in 1648.  The entire width of the house on the top floor is occupied by a long gallery which contains the finest shovelboard table in existence, {{convert|23.5|ft|m}} long.

The house contains a [[bird's-eye view]] by an unknown artist showing the house c. 1710, which depicts small tower-gazebos at the angles of its forecourt. In due course, the Brookes failed in the male line and the house descended to [[Robert Townley Parker]] of Cuerden, who added the south wing in 1825 and stuccoed the exterior, probably to the design of [[Lewis Wyatt]], who worked for Parker at [[Cuerden Hall]]. The dining room in the early 19th-century wing has inlaid 16th-century panelling brought in from elsewhere.

In 1864, the will of alkali manufacturer [[John Hutchinson (industrialist)|John Hutchinson]] of Widnes named one of his executors as "Thomas Part of Astley Hall in Chorley", although Thomas Part may well not have been the owner at the time.

In 1922 the house and its contents were given to Chorley Corporation by Reginald Tatton, as a memorial to the local men killed in [[First World War|World War I]]. It has since been maintained as a museum. The house contains fine oak furniture, [[Flanders|Flemish]] tapestries and wooden panelling. It is rumoured that [[Oliver Cromwell]] stayed at the Hall during the [[Battle of Preston (1648)|Battle of Preston]] in the 17th century, and reportedly left his boots behind. However, recent research shows that these may not be his own boots, although this does not rule out him visiting the Hall.  A wide range of temporary exhibitions are displayed in the art gallery throughout the season and events are organised throughout the year.

The plain classical brick stable block with pedimented centre is of c. 1800.

The grounds with a small lake were landscaped by [[John Webb (architect)|John Webb]] and feature a picturesque meandering stream running through a wooded ravine.

The Park, Coach House and Walled Garden have recently been renovated with help from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Chorley Council. An extensive project has seen the restoration of the 17th century [[ha-ha]], de-silting of the lake, felling of trees, moving the pets' corner and extensive renovation of the coach house and walled garden. The Coach House now houses a new art gallery and conference room on the first floor, with a café and gift shop on the ground floor.

In 2021, Speaker [[Lindsay Hoyle]] chose the Hall for the G7 Speakers' Meeting.