Historic Bramall Hall has re-opened following its £1.6m restoration.
The grade I listed building closed in September 2014 to undergo the transformation funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Stockport’s Mayor, Councillor Chris Gordon, was heralded with a Tudor fanfare by a trio of strolling minstrels. After an opening speech, he knocked on the heavy oak doors of the Great Hall and the first visitors were welcomed inside.
Almost 1,500 people stepped inside to see the changes to the historic rooms and the Hall’s features and architecture for the sold-out event.
Visitors saw the ornate, plaster ceiling in the restored Withdrawing Room and hundreds of leaded and stained windows that have been repaired throughout the building.
Two additional rooms have been opened up to the public – a Victorian Butler’s Pantry and a Dining Room that has been furnished with period pieces, and whose decoration in a striking peacock blue, has been inspired by a fragment of wallpaper hidden behind a panel.
Outside the Hall, a Tudor Festival was in full swing in the weekend sunshine. A jester entertained the crowds with fire-eating, stilt walking and Tudor tomfoolery.
An encampment of traditional Tudor crafts was set up in front of the new visitor centre, featuring candle-making, leather workers, a blacksmith, armourer, basket weaver, Tudor surgeon, knights fighting schools, campfire cookery and archery.
Cllr Kate Butler, Executive Member for Regeneration & Economy, said: “Bramall Hall is a jewel in the crown of the heritage of Stockport, and I’d encourage everybody to visit to see the result of this wonderful restoration work.”
Bramall Hall will be open Tuesday to Thursday and Sundays from 1pm-5pm, and on Fridays and Saturdays from 1pm-4pm.
Tickets to enter the Hall can be brought from the new visitor centre in the stable block on the day of the visit.
