Workington Hall
Where is it?
Curwen Park, Workington,
Cumbria.
Grid Ref 89:NY007287.
Workington Hall is in the grounds of Curwen
Park. The Park is in the outskirts of Workington, just to the right
of the A66 as you enter the Town from the east.
When is it Open?
Workington Hall is currently closed to the
public, though it is possible to organise occasional entry, the
grounds of the Hall and surrounding Park are available for the
public to visit. Please contact
heritage.arts@allerdale.gov.uk
or 01900 326253 for further information.
Workington Hall
Workington Hall is the
most important secular historic building in Workington. It was
built around a pele tower dating from the 14th century and has a
fascinating history. The Hall was the hereditary seat of the Curwen
family, the lords of the manor in Workington, right up until 1929.
In 1568 the Hall was the final refuge for Mary Queen of Scots
before her imprisonment and eventual execution. During the Second
World War the Hall was billeted and suffered a fire. Since then it
has become a classified ruin. You can also view a
full plan of
Workington Hall.
Events and activities
The Hall is a
perfect venue for all sorts of activities. September 2001 saw the
Battle of Curwen Hall, a heritage re-enactment day which attracted
over 3000 visitors. The Hall is also the perfect venue for wedding
photographs and is used by drama groups to stage outdoor
performances. The Hall will be open as a venue
for the 2005 Lions and Curwen Fair this summer, please contact
heritage.arts@allerdale.gov.uk
for details.
Appraisal of the Options Regarding the Future Development of
Workington Hall and Curwen Park
The first phase of this project is
now complete. A comprehensive Conservation Management Plan
has been produced by architects Lloyd Evans Pritchard, working to
the project steering group. The next phase will involve
looking at the options for future development. This work will
be completed by the end of April 2006. Allerdale Council is
being supported with this project by West Lakes Renaissance,
Cumbria County Council, the Workington Partnership, English
Heritage, the Workington and District Civic Trust, and the
Workington Heritage Group.
The Plan and the Gazetteer can be
downloaded below.