Damhouse

From medieval times, Damhouse was the site of the manor house for the lords of the manors of Astley and Tyldesley. Hugh Tyldesley was the first recorded occupant of the Damhouse in 1212. He was succeeded by his son Henry. The manors were separated after the death of Hugh's grandson, Henry, in 1301 and Damhouse became the manor house for Astley. In 1345 Richard Radcliff took possession of the hall and became lord of the manor in 1353. The Radcliffs remained in possession until the failure of the male line with William Radcliff's death in 1561 and his half sister Ann Radcliff inherited. Ann's husband, Gilbert Gerard, became lord of the manor. He was attorney general to Queen Elizabeth I and…

Astley Hospital closed in 1994 and Morts Astley Heritage Group was founded with the aim of saving the listed building. After fundraising and acquiring grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the group bought the house and surrounding woodland in order to preserve it. Damhouse was renovated by 2000 and space within the property rented to the local clinic, a private nursery, and various businesses. On site is a tea room and a conference room and community rooms are available to hire. The house is set in an area of woodland and there is a pond with an accessible footpath.