The Towneley family remained staunch Catholics throughout the Reformation, leading to the construction of a secret priest hole within the hall.
The hall features a 17th-century plasterwork ceiling in the Long Gallery, considered one of the finest in the North of England.
The Towneley family's estate once included a significant collection of relics, some of which were lost during the English Civil War.
The grounds contain an 18th-century landscape design that replaced the earlier formal medieval layouts.
The collection includes the 'Whalley Abbey Vestments', which are significant examples of medieval ecclesiastical embroidery.
The hall was sold to Burnley Corporation in 1901, transitioning from private family residence to public museum.
Towneley Hall is a historic 14th-century stately home located within a 400-acre parkland in Burnley. The site served as the ancestral home of the Towneley family for over 500 years. The museum houses an extensive collection of 17th to 19th-century oil paintings and period furniture. Visitors can explore the preserved Long Gallery, the Chapel, and the servants' quarters. The building features significant architectural layers spanning from the medieval period to the Victorian era. The grounds include a formal Italian garden and a deer park. It functions as both a municipal museum and a managed art gallery. The property is owned and maintained by Burnley Borough Council.
The central courtyard and the exterior facade facing the Italian garden.
Combine your indoor gallery tour with a walk through the surrounding woodland trails.
Check the official website for rotating temporary exhibitions before arrival.
The hall's interior can be cool even in summer; bring a light layer.
Attempting to tour the entire grounds and the full interior of the hall on the same day if you are mobility-impaired, as the park is extensive.
Closed on certain weekdays during the winter season; check the official website for current off-peak closures.
Photography is restricted in specific galleries; maintain a quiet volume in the Chapel and period rooms.
