In January 1999, after six years of campaigning and fund raising by ten local residents, Morts Astley Heritage Trust was formed. Funding was agreed by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the European Regional Development Fund (Rechar II) to purchase and refurbish the former Astley hospital administration building known as Damhouse (a grade II* listed building), the villa and 17 acres of surrounding woodlands (designated a site of scientific and biological importance) containing a pond.

    Morts Astley Heritage Trust's aim was to preserve the listed building, create a community/health facility for the people of Astley and to open the surrounding ancient woodland to the public.

    The Trust's mission was in keeping with the buildings past benefactor resident Adam Mort who came to Astley from Bolton in 1606. Among many gestures to the local community he established a schoolhouse and a chapel (St Stephens).

    The present building has been dated by the Greater Manchester Archaeological Unit to 1595 and was extended in 1650 by Adams grandson, also named Adam, leaving the substantial frontage seen today.

    The building was sold to the Leigh Hospital board in 1893 and used as an isolation hospital. In 1948 a general hospital was created, closing in 1994. The threat of extensive development and restricted access to the site led to the formation of Morts Astley Heritage Group culminating in their successful bid for alternative development of the site.

    The main facilities on site are :

The Heritage Tearooms
Conference and Community Rooms
Office Accommodation
Administration
The Conserved Ancient Woodland
A Day Nursery
Astley Clinic

    The top floor of Damhouse with its spectacular exposed timber roof structure will, subject to funding, be available for viewing in the future. This will be after conservation studies and technical alterations and adaptations have been undertaken.

    Contact the Trust on 01942 876417 or e-mail: info@damhouse.net