A blaze that broke out at the historic Wythenshawe Hall in Manchester has badly damaged the historic Grade II building. Ten fire engines and over 50 firefighters tackled the blaze which started in the roof.
Wythenshawe Hall was built in the 16th century and was home to the Tatton family for over 400 years. The hall was eventually donated to the public in 1930 and was open as a museum and art gallery until 2010, when spending cuts forced its closure. However, it is now open again thanks to a Friends Group.
Warren Pickstone, from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, said, "We are doing everything we can to save as much of this building as we can. The fire is in the roof and is difficult to access but we have specialist resources at the scene and we are doing our best. The fire is in the main black and white traditionally clad Tudor building with the historic clock tower, which was also on fire. So far we believe we have lost the roof and the first floor."
This is the latest fire to hit an historic building, after a serious fire that ripped though Clandon Park House in Surrey almost a year ago reduced the Grade 1 listed building to a shell.
