The ancient Standish family dates back to the 12th century, but the hall that survived into the 20th century only dates from the 1740's. It did, however, retain a Tudor wing linking the chapel to the main hall. The last of the Standish line to own the Hall was Mr. Henry Noailles Widdrington Standish, who never lived there, having been brought up in France by his French mother. During his tenure the Hall was leased to various people including Nathaniel Eckersley who died there in 1892. When Henry died in the early 20th century the whole estate was sold at auction (see Newsletter 170). The Hall itself, however, failed to reach the asking price of £4800 and was partly demolished. The remaining section was converted into 2 homes but the most interesting parts of the Hall including the chapel and Tudor wing were taken down and sold privately. Rumour has it that these, together with internal panelling, were shipped to America, their final resting place never to be found. However, recent research by Anne Hurst may at last reveal the location of at least some of the features, i.e. the carved oak panelling from the library and drawing rooms. Anne is the great granddaughter of James Birkett Almond (son of the famous Standish brewer). James lived at the Hall at the time of the sale.
Anne's mother, Dorothy Pendlebury relates that, following the sale in 1921, the Hall was initially used as a golf club, before being sold to a pig farmer from Chorley. In her research, Anne has discovered a book by John Harris entitled 'Moving Rooms - The Trade in Architectural Salvages', in which it clearly states that the oak panelling was sold in 1922 by Knightsbridge antiques dealers, Robertsons. The buyer was none other than the American newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst.
Hearst died in 1951 but John Harris' book details how the panelling was gifted (apparently by the Hearst Corporation) to the Detroit Institute of Arts in 1958 (apparently that's where it still remains). This is a great piece of research as the book gives some details of the panelling which was sold to the Hearts for £3000. It says that the library was William and Mary but the drawing room was Elizabethan dating to 1613. It included 2 chimneypieces with over-mantels which had been obtained from Borwick Hall in North Lancashire in the late 18th century. One day perhaps the chapel and Tudor wing may also be located - we can only hope.
Programme for 2016
As mentioned in last month's newsletter, John Johnson is talking about Wigan's Egyptian Collection in April. In May we have Andy Brown from the Lancaster & District Heritage Group talking about last year's very successful Quay Meadow Excavations. In June, John Trippier has agreed to give us a talk on his research into Smithills Hall Bolton, and in July we have Andrew Fear, who will giving a sure-to-be very entertaining talk on Chariot Racing in Ancient Rome.
Next Meeting
Wednesday 2nd March. - in the Standish Suite at the Brocket Arms (7.30pm as usual).
This month we have Stan Aspinall telling us about some more Standish family connections. His talk entitled 'Skeletons in the cupboard at Sizergh Castle: the story of Cecilia Strickland 1760-1820'.
Cecilia was the granddaughter of Ralph Standish, who inherited the Hall in 1705. But it was Cecilia's son Thomas Strickland of Sizergh who eventually ended up with the Hall in the late 18th century when Ralph died without a male heir in 1752. The Hall first went to his daughter who had married William Towneley of Towneley. They subsequently bequeathed it to their second son, Ralph Towneley, who was the brother of Cecilia. However, Ralph died without issue and so the manor went to his sister's son Thomas, who assumed the name Standish. I know it sounds complicated but I'm sure Stan will be able to enlighten us with more of the details. Hope to see you there. BA
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