In this local History article, we will be looking at Horncliffe Mansion in Edenfield.
Horncliffe Mansion has stood for the last 100+ years and survived two world wars. But sadly, in August 2019, the building burned down, leaving the external shell. Firefighters were called early in the morning and spent most of the day extinguishing the fire, which destroyed the roof and interiors.
The grade 2 listed building had been left to decay for the last ten years, with multiple occasions where squatters had been in residence.
A local landmark for the historic community, Horncliffe held History for the area.
Firstly, it was home to a local mill owner, Mr Henry Hoyle Hardman, who part-owned Hardman’s Mill in New Hall Hay, Rawtenstall, opposite the Old Cobblers Inn Pub with his brother Mr Edward Hardman who lived at Oakhill House now the Whitaker Museum.
Heritage Listing
Horncliffe Mansion is a Grade II listed building, but what does this mean?
A building is listed when it is of particular architectural or historical interest and considered national importance and, therefore, worth protecting.
As the term implies, a listed building is added to the National Heritage List for England. You can use this to discover whether your home is listed and, if so, what grade it is.
Horncliffe House -National Heritage List.
Horncliffe Mansion is a listed two building that requires specific building consent from the local council. These restrictions are in place so modern building techniques would not compromise any historic building. The works done on these buildings should be such to keep them preserved.
Historically trained contractors should be used when restoring any historic building to minimise any possible damage.
Horncliffe house to a mansion
When the mansion was built in 1869, it was home to Mr Henry Hardman and was a gem of the area with many admirers.
Horncliffe was a home, nursing home, hotel, and wedding venue throughout its existence.
Countless investors have tried to bring the house back to its former glory. Yet, so many have struggled with numerous obstacles that the building has developed over time.
It was rumoured that the house was filling for a change of use from a commercial property back to a residential one. Many were said to have looked forward to seeing the building back to its original use and being a loving family home again.
Interestingly enough, while the house was being used as a hotel and venue, the name was changed to Horncliffe Mansion, which still holds today.
What has been done recently
Horncliffe House had recently requested a survey to be conducted so that correct works could be arranged. The survey would have revealed the extent of some of the damage and what was more urgent to be repaired.
The repair work needed to restore the building would be expensive, as it has already been reported that the old woodwork was littered with dry rot, making the building in some areas structurally unsound; the money needed to sort this damage would range in the millions.
Kathy Fishwick, chair of Rossendale Civic Trust, said what happens next depends on how much has survived, how much can be realistically saved, and in what form.
She added: “No matter the damage, the building will still be classed as Listed and will need to be shown due respect even as a ruin, with a proper assessment process needed for any proposals for re-building or possible loss of Listed status.”
A resident was shocked by the events. “It’s a tragedy what has happened to such a historic building. Nothing has been done with it for so long, and this had happened just when it looked like it might be sold.”
It will be interesting to see what happens to this site now that time has passed since it set alight.
But questions still bounce around – Would the building be fixed, or would it remain a shell of what it once was? Only time will tell, but let’s hope this heritage building has a happy ending.
