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'We want to bring medieval manor back to life'

Phil Cunliffe,North Westand
Lauren Hirst,North West
News imageHistoric England A medieval-style building can been seen, made both of red brick and traditional black and white Tudor architecture. A neat lawn and bushes are visible also Historic England
Baguley Hall is a Grade-I listed building in Wythenshawe in Manchester

The owner of a medieval manor house has vowed to bring the Grade-I listed building "back to life" as work gets under way to make the historical building safe.

Baguley Hall in Wythenshawe, which was built in the 14th Century, was sold by Historic England to charity, Heritage Trust North West, in November.

Michael Guy, the charity's chief executive, said: "They needed somebody to help open it up to the community, to reuse it, bring it back to life, and that's where we came in."

A team of consultants have now been brought in to advise on the next steps, including how to install facilities including toilets and a kitchen without harming the existing building.

The manor was built by a medieval knight called Sir William de Baggiley (also spelt Baguley), who lived during the reign of King Edward II, and the structure later became a farmhouse.

The building was used as a council workshop for about 40 years before a decision was taken by the Manchester City Corporation in 1967 to demolish it, which triggered a public petition that gained more than 6,000 signatures.

Later that year, the Wythenshawe MP Alf Morris spoke in parliament against the planned demolition of Baguley Hall, urging that "everything possible should be done to preserve this historic building for posterity".

Since 1968, the building has been owned by the government and for more than 50 years the structure was maintained by English Heritage.

News imageHistoric England Archive 2025 A timber and stone archway can be seen but appears to need work done as there are loose bricks on the floor and the general view looks to be in a state of mild disrepair.Historic England Archive 2025
The site received a "poor" rating from Heritage England in 2024

The charity has been awarded £79,000 from the Architectural Heritage Fund but more funding will be needed in the future.

Guy said no definitive plans had been set in stone, adding the charity wanted to hear from the public about what they wanted to see from the building.

"I want it to be busy, I want it to be used, I want it to be full of people, and happy smiley faces," he said.

It is hoped the charity will be able to start hosting pre-booked behind-the-scenes tours later this year with the house to be open to the general public next year.

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