Lasting legacy: Weddings help preserve historic hall for future generations
A MOVE towards more sustainable and ethical weddings is helping ensure one historically important property is preserved for future generations.
Grade I-listed Samlesbury Hall, in Lancashire, has long offered a timeless, romantic setting for couples looking to tie the knot.
But ceremonies held at the venue every year are now helping to protect the unique heritage of the eye-catching 700-year-old building - with the income generated contributing to its upkeep in order to keep it safe for years to come.
Samlesbury Hall director Sharon Jones explained more couples are looking to incorporate elements to their wedding that leave a longer-term benefit to the venue or local area.
“We always feel privileged when couples choose to get married at Samlesbury,” she said.
“It’s a very special place to host such an important day in people’s lives.
“But while the ceremony and the celebration may last a day, they actually help to leave a long-lasting legacy for future generations here because the income they provide goes straight back into preserving this beautiful property.
“Many couples want to find a way to make their wedding more sustainable and we think helping to keep such an important part of our heritage safe is one good way to do just that.”
Samlesbury Hall, near Preston, has existed since 1325.
It was a grand family home for centuries before going on to become a boarding school in the 1800s.
The building fell into disrepair in the 1920s and came close to demolition before it was saved by a group of local people.
Now, the restored hall hosts weddings throughout the year as well as offering free entry to the public in order to share its beauty, history and legends with people of all ages.
This year, an ambitious project to create a hamlet of shepherd’s huts in the picturesque grounds was completed, providing luxury accommodation on site for guests.
It is hoped this too will help boost income for the hall’s upkeep, with running costs totalling £500,000 every year.
Sharon added: “Our next big project is to reroof the hall which we know is a huge task and one that will cost a lot of money.
“But it will safeguard this beautiful old building for the next generation which is what everything we do here is all about.”
ENDS
Photos:
1. Weddings at Samlesbury Hall are helping to preserve the historic building for future generations. Please credit - Gemma McAuley Photography.
2. A new hamlet of shepherd's huts in the grounds offer luxury, low impact accommodation in the grounds of the stately home.
3. A couple say I do at Samlesbury Hall. Please credit - Joe Mather Photography.
Editor’s notes
Samlesbury Hall is a magnificent, half-timbered black and white medieval house built in 1325 as a family home. The Hall is beautifully maintained for the enjoyment of today's visitors and sits just five minutes east of junction 31 of the M6.
The current building and grounds are administered by a registered charity known as the Samlesbury Hall Trust (Charity number 526052), whose aim is to preserve the Hall for the people of the area and visitors to Lancashire.
The Trust was founded in the 1920s when the Hall was about to be demolished. Since then the Hall has been a museum and Gallery, and host to many grand functions.
The Hall is open to the public every day, except Saturdays and occasional Fridays, when it is closed for weddings.
On this site today, you will discover an ancient, magnificently preserved manor house and gardens, with a colourful history and a wide-ranging programme of year-round events and activities.
Press trips may be available to visiting journalists with commissioned pieces.
This press release is sent on behalf of Samlesbury Hall by 32West Ltd. For more information please contact Caroline Barber on 07711 820 944.