Birtles Hall

Birtles Hall is a mansion built around 1790 for the Hibbert family. An early 19th-century balustrade was added later. Following a fire in 1938, the interior was rebuilt by J.H. Sellers, and some demolition occurred. The hall is constructed of ashlar buff sandstone, with a Welsh slate roof and three brick chimneys.

The south front is symmetrical, with five bays, and is two stories high. It features a plain frieze and a projecting cornice supporting a balustrade. The end bays have twelve-pane sash windows set in plain reveals, with carved classical panels between each pair of windows. The central bay projects slightly and contains an Ionic porch in antis, approached by four steps and featuring a pair of doors in a simple architrave with a flat hood resting on consoles. Semi-circular headed niches are located in the side walls of the porch. A balustraded parapet displays the Hibbert family arms, and a twelve-pane sash window is positioned above. The east front has canted end bay windows and four continuous steps between them.

Inside, the original stone well staircase retains plain cast-iron balusters, simple tracery, and a mahogany handrail. A pair of good Georgian mahogany doors with original brass fittings and a reset cast-iron grate can be found. The fireplaces are a collection from other Georgian houses. The remaining interior from 1938 reflects a good, restrained Classical style.

The architect is believed to have been Sir John Soane, although the design lacks distinctive features and is unlikely to be his work.