Our party of 23 enjoyed a very informative guided tour of the newly-renovated 16th century Astley Hall in Astley Park, Chorley on Sunday 24th September 2023.
The highly-ornate plaster ceilings are wonderful to behold, undoubtedly among the best in the country, and there was a wealth of information to be gained from viewing the antique furniture, well-preserved tapestries and portraits.
The hall had been restored by Chorley Borough Council to its former glory at considerable expense and the original brickwork aspect at the front had been revealed, restored and recreated (as the photos shows).
The antique furniture included an original shuffleboard (a game in which players use cues to push weighted discs, sending them gliding down a narrow court). Outside the hall, there were numerous stalls and exotic arrangements of flowers and foliage featuring apples, (it being Apple day) and there was also a singer with a folk-band backing group.
The rain more or less held off, which was a bonus, given the weather forecast and the outing was completed by an excellent meal in the vibrant atmosphere at Luciano’s Restaurant
Many thanks to Tony Cross once more for the images and to Mike Neild for the informative report.
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